Newark family murders: Four accused appear together in court as DPP weighs High Court trial

The four men accused of murdering seven members of a Newark family in April appeared together in the dock for the first time in the KwaDukuza Magistrate’s Court on Friday, July 31, as the case moved closer to trial.

Linda Blessing Mthiyane (28), his cousin, Mthandeni Luyanda Mthiyane (21) and Bongumenzi Mpungose (27) were arrested on April 22, a day after the alleged murders. Tempeli Michael Mchunu (23) handed himself over to police on June 23, the same day his co-accused abandoned their bail application. Two days later, Tempeli also abandoned bail.

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On Friday, the matter was postponed to September 11 for a decision by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) on whether to serve an indictment on the four accused and whether the case will be tried in the High Court.

The quartet face charges of housebreaking with intent to rob, robbery with aggravating circumstances, seven counts of murder and seven counts of kidnapping. Mpungose also faces an additional charge of rape, while Luyanda Mthiyane has been charged with unlawful possession of a firearm.

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The State alleges that on April 21, the accused kidnapped Mariamma Appanah (83), Mooniamma Monswamy (78), Cliffy Padayachee (50), Alan Monswamy (54), Sandy Monswamy (56), Kraidon Monswamy (27) and Shamarie Monswamy (20) from their Newark home before killing them. Their bodies were discovered a day later, nearly 200km away in Melmoth.

The alleged proceeds of the crime totalled R3 000 siphoned from their bank accounts – the equivalent of about R428 per victim – as well as five cellphones, a laptop, two lawn mowers, a vacuum cleaner, a toolbox and a Ford Ranger.