Thamsanqa Ntuli, the KwaZulu-Natal Premier, speaking at the funeral on Sunday.
Image: Facebook/KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government
Thamsanqa Ntuli, the KwaZulu-Natal Premier, described the killing of seven family members from Newark on Tuesday as a devastating blow to the conscience of the province.
Ntuli was speaking at the joint funeral of Alan and Sandy Monswamy, along with their children Kraidon and Shamarie, plus relatives Cliffy Padayachee, Mooniamma Padayachee, and Mariamma Appanah on Sunday morning at Stanger High School Sports Ground.
He conveyed condolences on behalf of the provincial government and the people of KwaZulu-Natal, emphasising that the victims were not mere statistics, but a family whose lives were violently and senselessly cut short.
Reflecting on the brutality of the crime, Ntuli condemned the acts of kidnapping, rape, and murder, describing them as an attack on humanity and the values of a democratic society. He highlighted the painful irony that the killings occurred during Freedom Month, a period dedicated to the promotion of human rights and dignity. He further commended the swift and decisive response by the South African Police Service of arresting three suspects with a stolen vehicle recovered and critical evidence secured.
Ntuli said these developments sent a strong and unequivocal message that perpetrators of such heinous crimes would be tracked down and brought to justice.
The premier further used the platform to call for intensified community involvement in the fight against crime, urging residents to reject silence, isolate criminal elements, and actively report wrongdoing. He also indicated that the department had mobilised community members to sign petitions opposing bail for the accused.
Emphasising that criminals thrived in environments of fear and division, he called for unity as a powerful weapon to defeat lawlessness. Reaffirming government’s commitment, Ntuli highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen crime prevention through closer collaboration between law enforcement agencies and the Department of Community Safety and Liaison.
He assured the families that government would walk alongside them in their pursuit of justice, and that the memory of their loved ones would serve as a catalyst for building safer, more resilient communities across KwaZulu-Natal.