Linda Blessing Mthiyane, Bongumenzi Mpungose and Mthandeni Luyanda Mthiyane appeared in the KwaDukuza Magistrate's Court on Tuesday.
Image: Nadia Khan
THE three men arrested for the alleged kidnapping and murder of a Newark family of seven have abandoned their bail application.
Linda Blessing Mthiyane, Mthandeni Luyanda Mthiyane and Bongumenzi Mpungose appeared in the KwaDukuza Magistrate's Court on Tuesday.
They have been charged with kidnapping and the premeditated murder of Alan and Sandy Monswamy; their children, Kraidon and Shamarie; and relatives, Cliffy Padayachee, Mooniamma Padayachee and Mariamma Appanah.
Mpungose has been charged with the alleged rape of Shamarie.
According to the charge sheet, the accused allegedly restrained all the victims, forced them into the back of a Ford Ranger bakkie and drove them to Melmoth against their will.
It has been alleged the accused broke into the family's home with the intention to rob them.
Protests outside the KwaDukuza Magistrate's Court on Tuesday.
Image: Nadia Khan
They were allegedly assaulted and robbed of five cellphones, a laptop, two grasscutting machines, a vacuum, a toolbox, R3,000 in cash, bank cards, and the Ford Ranger bakkie.
The accused were armed with a gun and knives, and they threatened to shoot the family during the attack in their Newark home.
The accused, through their Legal Aid attorney, asked for a media ban during the court proceedings.
The State was represented by prosecutor advocate Paul Nel.
However, magistrate M Naidoo ruled that pictures could be taken in court, but the accused faces could not be shown.
The matter was adjourned to June 23 for further investigation, and the accused were remanded in custody.