A fourth suspect has been arrested in connection with the murder of seven members of the Monswamy family, hours after his alleged accomplices appeared in the KwaDukuza Magistrate's Court on Tuesday.
The 24-year-old man was arrested in Durban following a police manhunt that had been underway since the deadly incident in April.
The victims, identified as Alan Monswamy, his wife Sandy, their children Kraidon and Shamaria as well as relatives Gonosagren Padayachee, Mooniamma Padayachee and Mariama Happanah were allegedly abducted from their home in Newtown near Newark on 21 April.
Police believe the family was taken to Melmoth, where all seven victims were murdered.
Following an intensive investigation, police tracked the latest suspect to Durban, where he was arrested on charges of murder, kidnapping and house robbery.
KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Robert Netshiunda confirmed the arrest and said the suspect is expected to appear in the KwaDukuza Magistrate's Court soon.
Earlier on Tuesday, three accused appeared before the same court in connection with the case.
One of the accused, Bongumenzi Mpungose, 27, who also faces an additional charge of rape, indicated through his legal representative that he intends applying for bail.
National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Natasha Ramkisson-Kara said the Legal Aid attorney representing the accused informed the court that a date for the bail application would be requested following consultations with the suspects.
The matter was postponed to 31 July for further investigation.
Mpungose, along with Linda Blessing Mthiyane, 28, and Mthandeni Luyanda Mthiyane, 21, faces 17 charges linked to the killings.
Investigators believe the crime was carefully planned. Preliminary reports indicate that a domestic worker arrived at the family home the morning after the alleged abduction and discovered signs of a break-in. The seven family members and a vehicle were missing.
Police have also revealed that one of the accused had previously worked for the Monswamy family.
The suspects later allegedly led investigators to Melmoth, where the bodies of all seven victims were recovered.
The tragedy has devastated the local community and attracted widespread public attention across the country.
The case has reignited public debate around violent crime and punishment in South Africa, with many calling for harsher penalties for those convicted of such offences. However, legal experts have noted that any move to reinstate the death penalty would face significant constitutional challenges.