Hundreds of residents from northern KwaZulu-Natal, alongside supporters of various political parties, gathered outside the KwaDukuza Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday as three suspects linked to the murder of the Monswamy family made their first court appearance.
The appearance comes days after seven family members Allen and Sandy Monswamy, their two children, and three relatives were laid to rest in a joint mass funeral held over the weekend at the Stanger High School sports ground.
The victims were discovered in Melmoth last week, a day after they were allegedly kidnapped from their home in Newark, sparking widespread shock and outrage across the country.
Security was tightened at the court, with a heavy police presence both inside and outside the premises. Senior officials, including KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli and Deputy National Police Commissioner for Crime Detection Anthony Gopaul, were also in attendance.
Outside court, emotions ran high as community members demanded that the accused be denied bail.
“We were so disgusted in what we saw and what we heard. We still cannot sleep. How can a human being do this to another human being? Something must be done to protect us,” said Indarani Chinnasamy.
Nothando Phiri of Ward 28 echoed the sentiment, calling for the accused to remain in custody.
“We want no bail today. They must rot in jail. They are dangerous to our community,” she said.
Ward councillor Cathy Naidoo called for stronger punitive measures, including a review of the justice system.
“There should be something done regarding the constitution where the death penalty should be reviewed. I strongly believe bail should be denied,” she said.
Democratic Alliance KwaDukuza mayoral candidate Privi Makhan said the party stood in solidarity with the affected community.
“We are here to demand no bail, a maximum sentence, and a broader dialogue around convictions,” Makhan said.
The case has drawn widespread attention, with residents continuing to call for swift justice as investigations into the brutal killings continue.