THE funeral service for Allen and Sandy Monswamy; their children, Kraidon and Shamarie; and relatives, Cliffy Padayachee, Mooniamma Padayachee and Mariamma Appanah; took place at the Stanger High School Sports Ground on Sunday.
Image: Tumi Pakkies/Independent Media
With heavy hearts, relatives of Allan Monswamy and his six family members who were murdered last week were preparing for the latest court appearance of the three men arrested in connection with the killings at the KwaDukuza Magistrate’s Court.
A mass funeral service for 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), was held at the Stanger High School sports ground on Sunday.
It is alleged that armed suspects forced their way into the family’s home in Newark, on the north coast of KwaZulu-Natal, kidnapped the victims before murdering them and dumping their bodies in the Eshowe area.
Given the brutality of the killings, which has drawn widespread attention, KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli, who was among the dignitaries in attendance, said the murders had “shaken the conscience” of the province.
The Monswamy family's funeral expenses were paid by the Office of the Premier.
Relatives of the deceased gathered at an undisclosed venue on Monday to disperse their mortal remains. On Tuesday, they are expected to come face-to-face with the suspects in court.
Police have confirmed that one suspect was still at large.
Vimlasen Pillay, a family spokesperson, told the Daily News that they were still overwhelmed by the events of the past week and were struggling to come to terms with the loss of their loved ones.
“Our family is very disoriented at this time of bereavement,” Pillay said, describing the impact the deaths had on them.
He said it was disturbing for the family that some of the suspects were apparently known to some of the deceased.
Police have also previously indicated that the crime was driven by betrayal and greed.
It was understood that Monswamy operated a construction business.
“About two of the suspects were apparently with Allan (Monswamy) in his construction business,” said Pillay.
It is alleged that Monswamy was suffocated at his Newark home.
“I haven’t received confirmation from SAPS officers on how Allan was killed.”
Pillay added that various motives for the killings were circulating, but nothing had been confirmed by authorities.
He confirmed that Monswamy’s eldest daughter was killed in a road accident more than a year ago.
“I don’t know anything in respect of a Road Accident Fund payout,” Pillay said.
During his address at the funeral ceremony, Ntuli extended his condolences and unwavering support to the family.
He acknowledged the efforts of the community during the initial search for the family when they were reported missing.
“It is during times like these that we witness the remarkable resilience and unity of our community,” he said.
Ntuli also praised the collaborative efforts of SAPS, private security teams and others in effecting the swift arrest of the three suspects.
“As we gather here today, I want to assure the families and the community that the police are working diligently to apprehend the remaining individuals involved.
“We will not rest until those responsible are brought to justice,” said Ntuli.
He also supported the community’s call for the suspects to be denied bail.
KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Social Development Mbali Shinga condemned the killings and confirmed that support services had been activated for the bereaved family.
“We are deeply disturbed by this heinous crime. We call for swift justice and urge communities to reject violence in all its forms,” she said.
Shinga added that a team of social workers had been deployed to provide trauma counselling and to assess further support needs.
DAILY NEWS