Fourth suspect arrested in KZN kidnapping and killing of seven family members

Police have arrested a fourth suspect in the case of seven family members who were kidnapped from their home in KwaZulu‑Natal and later found dead. The man appeared in the KwaDukuza Magistrate’s Court on Thursday and faces multiple serious charges, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said.

Charges laid

NPA spokesperson Natasha Ramkisson‑Kara said the arrested man is charged with:

• seven counts of kidnapping
• seven counts of murder
• one count of housebreaking with intent to rob and robbery with aggravating circumstances

“The case had been postponed to 31 July 2026 for him to join the other co-accused,” Ramkisson‑Kara told reporters.

Court progress

Earlier in the week three suspects named in court as Linda Blessing Mthiyane (28), Bongumenzi Mpungose (26) and Mthandeni (21) made their second appearance in the KwaDukuza Magistrate’s Court.

They face a series of charges including housebreaking with intent to rob, robbery with aggravating circumstances, seven counts of kidnapping and seven counts of murder. Ramkisson‑Kara said Mpungose informed the court of his intention to apply for bail and that a date for that application would be set after consultation with his attorney.

What happened

The killings took place on 21 April when the accused allegedly kidnapped seven family members from their home in Newark. The bodies of the victims were discovered a few days later in Melmoth, nearly 200km from their home.

The victims named in reporting were:

• Mariamma Appanah (83)
• Mooniamma (78)
• Cliffy Padayachee (50)
• Alan (54)
• Sandy (56)
• Kraidon (27)
• Shamarie Moonswamy (20)

How suspects were linked to the crime

According to the NPA, the suspects were linked to the incident after a domestic worker employed by the family reported for work on the morning of 22 April and found the house broken into and vacant. A vehicle belonging to the family was also missing. Investigations revealed that one of the suspects worked for the family.

Next steps

The newly arrested suspect is due to join the other accused in court on 31 July 2026. Further court dates for the other accused including any bail application by Mpungose will be set through the KwaDukuza Magistrate’s Court, the NPA said.