KZN Massacre: Three-Generation Family Of Seven Abducted, Driven 200km In Bakkie And Killed

Seven members of a KwaDukuza family were abducted from their home in Newark on Tuesday night before being driven approximately 200km to their deaths.

The victims, spanning three generations, were identified as Allen Monswamy, 52, his wife Sandy, 57, their children Kraidon, 26, and Shamaria, 20, as well as relatives Gonasagren Padayachee, 51, Mooniamma Padayachee, 78, and Mariamma Appanah, 83.

Police believe the victims may have known at least one of the three suspects who allegedly broke into the house.

Victims Bound and Transported Before Being Killed

According to information before investigators, the suspects allegedly terrorised the family, assaulted one of the women, and then restrained the victims before loading them into Monswamy’s bakkie.

They were driven to Melmoth, where the suspects allegedly demanded personal identification numbers and banking details. The same woman was reportedly assaulted again.

The suspects are alleged to have then shot three victims and stabbed the remaining four to death.

It is further alleged that one of the suspects had been employed by Monswamy in his construction business and that multiple bank transactions were made from the victims’ accounts.

Police Track Suspects as Bodies Recovered in Melmoth

The crime was discovered on Wednesday morning when a domestic worker arrived at the home and found it ransacked, with the occupants missing. Neighbours and police were alerted.

A multi-disciplinary police team, including KwaDukuza detectives and specialised units, traced two suspects to the Hlomendlini area and a third to Sundumbili.

Police recovered the victims’ bakkie and 11 cellphones. The suspects, aged 21, 26 and 28, later led officers to a veld in Melmoth where the bodies were found. They are expected to appear in the KwaDukuza Magistrate’s Court.

Community and Government React to family murder

Newark councillor Kuben Naicker described the incident as deeply distressing.

“I can’t imagine the torture they went through from the time their house was broken into, beaten up and then they were tied up and put in the vehicle.

“They wouldn’t have known where they were being taken and what was happening. Their final moments when they were taken to the field, it’s just so tragic. They would have really suffered,” Naicker said.

He added that community members plan to attend court proceedings to oppose bail.

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli said he was shocked by the killings.

“The inclusion of both young and elderly victims underscores the indiscriminate and callous nature of the crime, further deepening the anguish felt by the affected family and community.

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“This is a deeply painful and tragic incident that has robbed families of their loved ones in the most cruel and inhumane manner. On behalf of the people and the KZN government, we extend our heartfelt condolences and stand in solidarity with the affected families during this difficult time,” Ntuli said.

He also urged communities to work with law enforcement to combat crime.

“Communities must stand together and refuse to harbour criminals. 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,” he said.