KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli has condemned the brutal murder of seven family members
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KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli has condemned the killing of seven members of the Monswamy family, describing the attack as “barbaric” and a stark reminder of the province’s ongoing battle with violent crime.
The premier’s remarks form part of a wave of reactions following the incident in which seven family members were abducted from their home in Newtown, Newark, under the Mandeni Local Municipality, and later killed in Melmoth.
“This is a deeply painful and tragic incident that has robbed families of their loved ones in the most cruel and inhumane manner,” Ntuli said yesterday.
He said the provincial government stood in solidarity with the bereaved family and would continue to prioritise interventions aimed at improving community safety.
Ntuli also pointed to the indiscriminate nature of the attack, which included both younger and elderly victims, as evidence of the severity of the crime.
The deceased include three men and four women. According to Post newspaper, they have been identified as Allen Monswamy, 52, his wife Sandy, 57, their children Kraidon, 26, and Shamaria, 20, and relatives Gonosagren Padayachee, 51, Mooniamma Padayachee, 78 and Mariama Happanah, 83.
Police have since arrested three suspects in connection with the killings. According to police, the family were abducted from their home on Tuesday night and taken to Melmoth. Several bank transfers were made from the victims' accounts throughout Tuesday night and Wednesday morning. The victims were shot or stabbed to death. It is believed that one of the suspects had previously worked for the family.
Ntuli welcomed the arrests of the suspects.
“We commend SAPS for acting decisively and swiftly in apprehending suspects. This demonstrates the seriousness with which law enforcement is treating this matter and sends a clear message that criminality will not be tolerated,” he said.
He further called on communities to play a role in crime prevention by working with police and refusing to shield those involved in criminal activity.
“Those who commit such heinous acts often live among us. It is our collective responsibility to isolate them, report them to the police, and ensure that our communities are safe,” Ntuli said.
Meanwhile, local councillor Kuben Naicker told East Coast Radio Newswatch that residents in the area remain shaken following the incident.
He added that the victims were well-known and respected in the area.
“The Monswamy family is very respected in the community, and that is why the community is so angry about this. I knew him personally. He is a businessman,” Naicker said.
The premier is expected to visit the family of the deceased on Friday.
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