Breakthrough in KZN family massacre case as fourth suspect arrested after two-month manhunt

SAPS

Cape Town – A fourth suspect has been arrested in connection with the brutal murder of seven members of the Monswamy family, bringing a significant development in a case that has shocked communities across KwaZulu-Natal.

The 24-year-old suspect was arrested in Durban on Tuesday, just hours after his alleged accomplices appeared in the KwaDukuza Magistrate’s Court.

According to IOL, the suspect had been on the run since 21 April, when Alan Monswamy, 52, his wife Sandy, 57, their children Kraidon, 26, and Shamaria, 20, as well as relatives Gonosagren Padayachee, 51, Mooniamma Padayachee, 78, and Mariama Happanah, 83, were allegedly abducted from their home in Newtown, near Newark.

The victims were allegedly transported to Melmoth, where they were killed.

Police tracked the suspect to Durban and arrested him on charges of murder, kidnapping and house robbery.

KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda confirmed the arrest.

“The suspect will appear in the KwaDukuza Magistrate’s Court soon,” he said.

Earlier on Tuesday, one of the accused, 27-year-old Bongumenzi Mpungose, who also faces a rape charge, informed the court that he intends to apply for bail.

The court proceedings drew strong opposition from activists, with Gender-Based Violence campaigners from the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Community Safety and Liaison staging a picket outside the KwaDukuza Magistrate’s Court on 23 June 2026. The group called for bail to be denied to all suspects implicated in the case.

Speaking to the POST on Wednesday, Devan Naidoo, Alan Monswamy’s brother-in-law, welcomed the arrest of the fourth suspect, describing it as a long-awaited breakthrough for the grieving family.

“It has been two long months as we waited and prayed for the fourth suspect to be arrested. We are hopeful that we will now get more answers as to what happened,” he said.

Naidoo also reiterated the family’s opposition to any bail applications.

“But, we are again pleading to the court for bail to be denied for the other accused and the new suspect. They cannot be allowed to walk around freely in society after committing such heinous crimes.

“We will also be calling for the maximum sentences to be handed down for each of the crimes committed,” he added.

The arrest marks another major step in the ongoing investigation into one of KwaZulu-Natal’s most devastating family murder cases. Investigations continue.

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