R428 per life: the chilling maths behind the Newark massacre

The seven members of the Monswamy family were allegedly kidnapped and killed for just R3 000 siphoned from their bank accounts – the equivalent of about R428 per victim.

It is alleged that after breaking into the family’s Newark home on the night of April 21, the suspects tied up the victims, raped one of them and drove them about 200km to Melmoth, where they demanded the family’s banking details and Pin numbers.

Four victims were allegedly shot dead and three stabbed to death before the suspects channelled the funds from the victims’ bank accounts. The accused allegedly also stole five cellphones, a laptop, two lawn mowers, a vacuum cleaner, a toolbox and a Ford Ranger belonging to the family.

Linda Blessing Mthiyane (28), Bongumenzi Mpungose (27), Mthandeni Luyanda Mthiyane (21) and Tempeli Michael Mchunu (23) face charges of housebreaking with intent to rob, robbery with aggravating circumstances, seven counts of murder and seven counts of kidnapping. Mpungose also faces a rape charge, while Luyanda Mthiyane has been charged with unlawful possession of a firearm.

Swift police work led to the arrest of Linda and Mthandeni in Hlomendlini the afternoon after the kidnappings, with one allegedly found in possession of a victim’s cellphone. Mthandeni was arrested soon afterwards in Sundumbili with a firearm believed to have been used in the murders.

Police recovered a total of 11 cellphones from the suspects. It is alleged that one of the accused had worked for the victims.

Bongumenzi and the Mthiyane cousins first appeared in the KwaDukuza Magistrate’s Court on April 28, two days after hundreds attended the mass open-casket funeral of Mariamma Appanah (83), Mooniamma Monswamy (78), Cliffy Padayachee (50), Alan Monswamy (54), Sandy Monswamy (56), Kraidon Monswamy (27) and Shamarie Monswamy (20).

They abandoned bail and were remanded in custody at Westville Prison. Mchunu, who had been on the run for two months, handed himself over at Durban Central Police Station on June 23 and made his first court appearance two days later. He also abandoned bail and remains in custody.

His case was joindered to that of his co-accused and postponed to July 31 for further investigation.

Meanwhile, Luyanda has reversed his earlier decision to abandon bail and will apply separately ahead of the quartet’s next court appearance on July 31.