Newark family murder accused abandon bail application in KwaDukuza court

Three men accused of kidnapping and killing seven members of a Newark family have abandoned their bail application in the KwaDukuza Magistrate’s Court.

The accused, aged 21, 26 and 28, appeared in court on Tuesday where they withdrew their bid for bail.

They face charges linked to the alleged kidnapping and killing of seven relatives from Newark on KwaZulu-Natal’s North Coast last week.

The victims were identified as Alan and Sandy Monswamy, their children Kraidon and Shamarie, and relatives Cliffy Padayachee, Mooniamma Padayachee and Mariamma Appanah.

According to police, the family was allegedly abducted from their home last Tuesday. Their bodies were discovered the following day in a secluded area near Melmoth.

Police said a domestic worker raised the alarm on Wednesday morning after finding the house had been broken into and the family and their vehicle missing.

An intensive investigation led officers to the Hlomendlini area, where two suspects were arrested on Wednesday afternoon. One of them was found with a cellphone belonging to one of the victims.

A third suspect was later arrested in the Dendetu area in Sundumbili. Police said he was found in possession of a firearm, while a total of 11 cellphones were recovered from the suspects.

Authorities further alleged that one of the accused was known to the family and had worked for them.

The suspects are accused of tying up the victims before transporting them in a family vehicle to Melmoth, about 200km away. Police allege the victims were killed there, with three shot and four stabbed.

Investigators said the suspects later led police to the scene where the bodies were found.

The seven victims were laid to rest on Sunday at a mass funeral held at Stanger High School’s sports ground.

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli attended the service, while provincial government spokesperson Lindelani Mbatha confirmed that the state funded the funeral.

IOL