Updated April 25, 2026, 11:31 a.m. | By Simphiwe Gumede
Vusi Mawela from Newark CPF says the murders have sent shockwaves through the north coast community.
The Community Policing Forum (CPF) in Newark says residents have been left shaken by the massacre of a local family.
Couple Allen and Sandy Monswamy, their two children and three relatives were attacked and kidnapped from their home on Tuesday.
Their bodies were found in Melmoth the following day.
Three suspects are due to line up in court on Tuesday.
CPF says crime wave escalates as residents fear for safety
Vusi Mawela, who is with the Newark CPF, says the murders have sent shockwaves through the north coast community.
He says it is one of the most horrific crimes the area has ever experienced.
“We’ve been having robberies where people are robbed of their phones, house robberies, housebreakings and murders. We do have crime just like other areas, but this one was just a worse one that we’ve experienced in the area. People are afraid. They’re all living in shock.”
Traditional leaders and councillors call for justice and stronger policing
Local traditional leaders say it is going to be difficult for people to come to terms with this level of brutality.
“In this area, we are very shocked that people can do such. I hope that police will play a role to ensure that all those criminals are put in jail,” said Inkosi Lindokuhle Ngcobo.
Councillor Kuben Naicker says he visited the scene and found residents shaken and fearful.
“ This is the first incident that we have had, where people have been kidnapped in our area. I think crime has been escalating, and right now the community are actually afraid about their livelihoods and their safety in their own home with this incident,” said Naicker.
He says the family was well-known in the community.
“The Monswamy family is very respected in the community, and that is why the community is so angry about this. I did know him personally. He is a businessman.”
