Three suspects are expected to appear in the KwaDukuza Magistrates' Court on Friday in connection with the brutal killing of seven members of a Mandeni family.
The suspects were arrested following the deaths of members of the Monswamy family, who were taken from their Newtown home on Tuesday. Their bodies were discovered in Melmoth a day later.
The victims, aged between 20 and 83, were found with multiple injuries. Police confirmed that some had been shot, others stabbed, and that a 20-year-old woman had also been raped.
According to police, the incident came to light after the family’s domestic worker discovered that the home had been broken into.
Investigators later traced two suspects to the Hlomendlini area, while a third was arrested in Sundumbili. One of the accused is believed to have been employed by the family.
The case has sparked widespread shock and condemnation across KwaZulu-Natal.
Thami Ntuli is expected to visit the Monswamy family on Friday. His spokesperson, Lindelani Mbatha, said Ntuli had expressed deep sadness and concern over the killings.
“Premier Ntuli has expressed shock, deep sadness, and grave concern following the brutal and senseless killing of seven members of the Monswamy family, in a tragedy that has sent shockwaves across the province and the nation at large,” Mbatha said.
He added that the Premier is engaging with law enforcement authorities to strengthen crime prevention efforts and restore public confidence in community safety.