Ursuline sister killed in robbery in South Africa

Published: 2006-01-06

CAPE TOWN, South Africa (CNS) -- A 74-year-old Ursuline nun was shot dead at the order's premises in Ngqeleni, apparently by a young male robber. Ursuline Sister Clementine Brantschen, the order's novitiate superior, had just returned from her work at Ngqeleni Clinic Dec. 28 when she heard commotion and went to investigate, said Sister Magdalena Zenhausen, the Ursuline Sisters' regional superior. Sister Magdalena said Sister Clementine found an intruder holding a firearm and demanding money from Angelina Sinyanzi, a domestic worker. Sister Magdalena said that after Sister Clementine handed money over to the intruder Sinyanzi sounded the security alarm and rushed out of the novitiate to alert other domestic staff. Father Octavious Khosoane, a local parish priest, and other staff stationed nearby heard gunshots as they ran to the house, Sister Magdalena said. They saw the intruder, a young man of about 21, fleeing, and then found Sister Clementine, who had been shot in the head.

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