The senseless killing of Catholic priest Father Lionel Sham is deplorable, to say the least.

For it highlights the grim reality that not even churches are immune from the nefarious activities of criminals in this country.

Two youths attacked the defenceless priest at his home in Mohlakeng on the West Rand last week Friday and robbed him of some of his valuables.

Not satisfied with what they had stolen, they allegedly kidnapped him. His lifeless body was found in an open veld the next day.

Sham's murder should be a wake-up call for the government to intensify its fight against crime and stop thugs from even disrespecting places of worship.