Beijing (AsiaNews) – The priest and nun of the underground diocese of Ningxia, who were killed on July 5 at Wuhai (Wuda district, Inner Mongolia), were murdered by a former seminarian. 43 year old Wenping Zhangwas arrested yesterday afternoon in Hohhot. The police informed Catholics in Hohhot and Ningxia last night.
Fr. Joseph Zhang Shulai, vicar general of the underground diocese of Ningxia (centre in photo) and Sr. Mary Wei Yanhua were found the morning of July 6 in a pool of blood. The body of the priest presented seven deep knife wounds; the body of the religious sister presented one knife wound. Both worked in a home that houses 60 elderly people within the local church residence.
According to state media the killer has already confessed to the murder, but his motives have not yet been made public. According to some within the Catholic community, Wenping Zhang worked in the hospice, but was fired by Fr. Zhang over some irregularities. The former seminarian had threatened to kill Fr. Zhang.
A young Catholic in Ningxia, contacted by AsiaNews, has expressed "great sorrow and profound sadness for the tragedy."
In the diocese of Ningxia and other parts of China prayer services are being held for the two victims. The funeral of Fr Joseph Zhang and Sister Mary Wei will be celebrated July 11 at 7 am in the church near the hospice. The two bodies will be buried and not cremated.