In pictures: loved ones unite to mourn seven family members in heartbreaking funeral

A somber atmosphere gripped the Stanger community as mourners gathered for the mass funeral of seven members on Sunday.

Relatives, friends, government representatives, and community members gathered from 9am at Stanger High School’s sports ground to pay their final respects.

The funeral was marked by emotional scenes as seven coffins were carried into the venue, drawing visible grief from those in attendance. 

The deceased are Alan and Sandy Monswamy, along with their children Kraidon and Shamarie, plus relatives Cliffy Padayachee, Mooniamma Padayachee, and Mariamma Appanah. 

The victims had allegedly abducted from their home in Newark earlier in the week. Their bodies were later discovered in a secluded area near Melmoth.

Among those present at the funeral was KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli, who joined the community in mourning the tragic loss.

“This is a deeply painful and tragic incident that has robbed families of their loved ones in the most cruel and inhumane manner. On behalf of the people and the Government of KwaZulu-Natal, we extend our heartfelt condolences and stand in solidarity with the affected families during this difficult time,” said Premier Ntuli.

Ntuli commended the South African Police Service (SAPS) for their swift and coordinated response, which led to the arrest of suspects within a short space of time and the recovery of critical evidence linked to the crime.

“We commend SAPS for acting decisively and swiftly in apprehending suspects. This demonstrates the seriousness with which law enforcement is treating this matter and sends a clear message that criminality will not be tolerated,” he said.

Premier Ntuli has called on communities to play an active role in the fight against crime.

“Communities must stand together and refuse to harbour criminals. Those who commit such heinous acts often live among us. It is our collective responsibility to isolate them, report them to the police, and ensure that our communities are safe."

Kiernan Israel, the son-in-law from the extended family, spoke on behalf of the grandchildren, giving a touching speech about their close relationship.

“As a family we did not imagine that we would be standing here again just two years later and yet here we are, carrying the loss that feels too heavy to understand. From the beginning, I saw something different about his family. This was always a family that stayed close, always together, always showing up and always making time for each other,” said Israel.

Lindelani Mbatha, the spokesperson for the Office of the KZN Premier confirmed that the provincial government (Office of the Premier) funded the entire funeral. 

The funeral will proceed to the Stanger Crematorium. 

THE POST