Three men have been denied bail in a KwaDukuza court for the shocking murders of seven members of the Monswamy family, stirring community outrage and prompting calls for justice.
Image: Nadia Khan
Out of fears for their safety, three of the accused in the murder case of the Monswamy family from Newark on KwaZulu-Natal’s north coast elected to abandon their respective bail applications when they appeared at the KwaDukuza Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday.
The State, led by prosecutor Paul Nel, indicated to the court that it intended to oppose the bail applications of Linda Mthiyane, Bongumenzi Mpungose and Mthandeni Mthiyane.
According to police, a fourth suspect is still at large.
The graphic details that have emerged regarding the kidnapping and murder of Allan 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), have drawn widespread public interest in the case.
Robbery, rape, kidnapping, murder and possession of an illegal firearm were among the charges the accused faced.
A large number of demonstrators, including members of political parties and civil rights groups, gathered outside the courthouse, many bearing placards and calling for the denial of bail for the accused.
The three accused were arrested in Melmoth within a day after initial reports emerged that the family was missing last Tuesday.
Investigations have revealed that some of the victims were shot and killed, while others were stabbed, and their bodies dumped in the Melmoth area.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) provincial deputy commissioner Anthony Gopaul praised members for their swift and tireless efforts in making the arrests and confirmed that work was continuing to track the fourth suspect.
Gopaul said a vehicle, a Ford Ranger believed to have been used during the crime, had been recovered, adding that relevant forensic evidence had been collected from it.
Following the court proceedings, family spokesperson Vimlasen Pillay emphasised the community’s distress over the incident and the broader implications of the case on public safety and justice.
He said the family was pleased with Tuesday’s proceedings, which meant that the accused would remain in custody.
“This case is of huge public interest,” said KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli, who also attended proceedings.
He expressed hope that the gravity of the charges may lead to substantial sentencing, while also voicing concerns over the accessibility of free legal aid for defendants.
“It’s unfortunate that the public, who are the victims in this scenario, must bear the burden of financing the legal representation of those who commit such crimes,” Ntuli said.
The atmosphere outside the court was emotionally charged, reflecting the community’s anguish.
Democratic Alliance councillor Privi Makham called for stronger rural safety measures and harsher sentences, while ANC representative Sihle Mngadi urged law enforcement authorities to intensify efforts to apprehend the fourth suspect.
MK Party representative Vishnugopal Govender said: “We are angry and we are here to ensure that those responsible do not receive bail.”
Proceedings in the matter are due to resume on June 23.
DAILY NEWS