A devastating tragedy has unfolded after Allen Monswamy left home on Tuesday evening to pick up his workers, only for him and six of his family members — including an 83-year-old relative — to be found dead by Wednesday morning.
It is alleged that suspects abducted the family from their Newark home in the early hours of Tuesday, transported them roughly 200km to Melmoth, and killed them. A disturbing question now being asked is whether individuals linked to Allen’s own workforce were involved in planning the attack.
The victims include Allen Monswamy, 52; his wife Sandy, 57; their children Kraidon, 26, and Shamaria, 20; as well as relatives Gonosagren Padayachee, 51, Mooniamma Padayachee, 78, and Mariama Happanah, 83. The family lived on a farm near the local police station in Newark.
According to reports, the suspects allegedly entered the home while the family was asleep, held them captive for about two hours, assaulted them, and forced them to hand over banking details. They were then bound and loaded into Allen’s Ford Ranger before being taken away.
Three suspects aged 21, 26, and 28 have been arrested and were expected to appear in the KwaDukuza Magistrate’s Court, although the appearance was postponed without explanation. They are now scheduled to appear next Tuesday, while two additional suspects remain at large. Police believe the attack may be linked to a dispute involving a grass-cutting contract connected to Allen’s business.
Allen was known as a contractor involved in municipal and Eskom maintenance work in the area. A community source said he had been seen on Monday giving a lift to the same individuals now accused in the case. In KwaZulu-Natal, violent home invasions targeting business owners have become increasingly common.
Family members say the loss is especially painful as Allen’s nephew had recently become engaged just days before the tragedy. Relatives and neighbours described the Monswamy family as private, kind-hearted people, noting they had already endured the loss of a daughter in a previous accident two years ago. Allen was also known for treating his employees well, including hosting year-end gatherings.
It is alleged that money was later withdrawn from the family’s accounts after their PINs were taken under duress. KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli condemned the killings as “brutal and senseless” during a visit to the family home in Newark.
Two suspects remain on the run as investigations continue, with authorities still working to establish the full motive and whether it will be fully clarified in court proceedings.
