Three men have been arrested in connection with the kidnapping and murder of seven people from a property in Newtown, Newark, earlier this week.

KwaZulu-Natal police say the victims were kidnapped on Tuesday night (April 21) and later killed in Melmoth, about 200km away, reports the North Coast Courier.

According to SAPS, a domestic worker raised the alarm on Wednesday morning after arriving at the property and discovering it had been broken into, with seven occupants and a vehicle missing. Police were called to the scene and multiple specialised units were activated.

Swift investigations led officers to the Hlomendlini area, where two suspects were arrested on Wednesday afternoon. One was found in possession of a cellphone belonging to one of the victims. Further information led police to Dendetu in Sundumbili, where a third suspect was arrested. He was found with a firearm. In total, 11 cellphones were recovered.

Police allege that one of the suspects was employed by the victims. He and his accomplices reportedly broke into the home, tied the victims up and forced them into a vehicle belonging to one of them before driving to Melmoth.

It is further alleged that a 20-year-old woman was sexually assaulted during the ordeal. Police say the suspects also demanded banking details and PINs from some of the victims. Transactions were later made from the victims’ accounts.

Investigations revealed that three victims were shot and killed, while four others were stabbed to death. The bodies of all seven victims, aged between 20 and 83, were discovered in Melmoth yesterday (April 22).

The suspects, aged 21, 26 and 28, are expected to appear in the KwaDukuza Magistrate’s Court on Friday.

KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi commended police for the swift arrests and urged investigators to ensure a strong case.

“Some crimes are difficult to prevent, however police must respond decisively. It is concerning that one of the suspects was employed by the victims. We urge employers to conduct background checks and remain vigilant,” he said.

Mkhwanazi added that police would pursue a maximum sentence and investigate whether the suspects could be linked to other cases in the province.