KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli visited the Monswamy family, offering support after the tragic murder of seven family members this week. The visit comes days after the victims were abducted from their home in Newtown, Newark, under the Mandeni Local Municipality, before being transported to Melmoth where they were killed in an attack that has drawn widespread condemnation.
According to reports, the victims 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. Speaking during the visit on Friday, Ntuli said the incident had deeply affected both government and the broader community.
Support and Investigation
As the South African Police Service continues to investigate the incident, Ntuli said social workers had been deployed to provide counselling to affected family members and residents. He also commended the role played by community members, private security, and police in responding to the incident and assisting in the arrest of suspects.
Ntuli said authorities would pursue the matter to ensure justice for the victims, adding that police were still searching for at least one outstanding suspect. “We are hopeful that soon he will be arrested,” he said. “We will do everything possible to ensure that the court gives a harsh sentence to these suspects,” he added.
Addressing Public Concerns
Ntuli acknowledged growing public concern over violent crime in the province, saying the government needed to respond to persistent questions about safety. He added that while cooperation between communities and law enforcement had led to arrests, the loss of life remained a significant failure.
Here are some key points to note about the incident:
- 7 family members were murdered in the incident
- The victims were abducted from their home in Newtown, Newark
- The suspects are expected to appear in court on April 28
- Police are still searching for at least one outstanding suspect
Ntuli said restoring a sense of safety in communities remained a priority and called for closer collaboration between residents, police, and local safety structures. “My belief is that working together is the only solution. I do not believe government alone can do it,” he said.
For more information on the incident, visit the Government of South Africa website.
