Mysterious death of Mbumbulu Catholic priest sparks police investigation

Police have opened an inquest into the death of a Catholic priest who was found dead in Mbumbulu, south of Durban, on Sunday night.

Father Mthokozisi Khanyile, 43, who served as parish priest at St Marumba Catholic Church, was confirmed dead after his body was discovered with no visible signs of injury.

KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Constable Thenjiswa Ngcobo said Mbumbulu police are investigating the circumstances surrounding his death.

Ngcobo said an inquest docket has been open after a man's body was found with no apparent injuries.

In the Mbumbulu community, unverified claims and speculation have begun circulating about the circumstances leading to Father Khanyile’s death. Police, however, have not confirmed any allegations of criminal conduct. It is alleged that the priest died after women he was in the company of plied him with alcohol and drugs until he passed out.

The results of the post-mortem examination have not yet been released, and no arrests have been made.

A member of the parish who spoke on condition of anonymity said they were disheartened by what happened.

"We heard that the drug they used is dangerous and is usually mixed with dagga," said the church member.

In a voice note in possession of the Sunday Tribune's sister newspaper, Isolezwe, a woman who's believed to have been present is heard saying, "It's ... (name withheld) who was busy giving him alcohol and this drug that is mixed with dagga. I also tried but realised it wasn't for me because I felt dizzy. I then left them and drank lots of water. ...... (name withheld) kept pouring alcohol for him. At that time the priest was shaking."

The Mariannhill Diocese, under which the Mbumbulu parish falls, confirmed Father Khanyile’s passing and extended its condolences to his family and parishioners. Bishop Neil Frank (OMI) described the priest’s death as a painful loss to the Church.

Before his posting to Mbumbulu, Father Khanyile served as parish priest at St Xavier Catholic Church in Dassenhoek, Mariannhill, from 2021 to 2024. He had also previously worked under the Diocese of Dundee.

His sudden death has deeply affected the local Catholic community, with many expressing shock and grief.

Father Khanyile’s Requiem Mass was held yesterday at St Joseph’s Cathedral in Mariannhill, where large numbers of mourners gathered to pay tribute.

He was remembered as a dedicated priest whose sermons were widely regarded as thought-provoking, relatable and uplifting.

Police investigations are continuing.

SUNDAY TRIBUNE