THE three suspects linked to the death of seven family members have abandoned bail.
The trio, Linda Mthiyane (28), Bongumenzi Mpungose (26), and Mthandeni Mthiyane (21), made their first appearance in the KwaDukuza Magistrates Court on Tuesday, 28 April.
They are facing 17 charges, including kidnapping, rape and murder.
The matter was remanded to 23 June.
KZN Premier Thami Ntuli and the Democratic Alliance (DA) MP Mzamo Billy attended court proceedings.
The three suspects were arrested after they allegedly stormed the home of the seven victims in Newtown on 21 April, tied them up with a rope, loaded them onto a van belonging to one of the family members, and drove to Melmoth, where they shot them and dumped their bodies.
Premier Ntuli said the Department of Community Safety has prepared an affidavit opposing bail.
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In addition, he said the department is mobilising community support through the collection of public signatures to strengthen the case for keeping the accused in custody while the judicial process unfolds.
"Today, I stood with the family not only as Premier, but as a fellow citizen who believes that every life matters and that justice must prevail. The pain and trauma experienced by this family have touched the heart of our province, and we will not rest until the full force of the law has been applied," said Ntuli.
He said he has confidence in the justice system to deal decisively with this matter.
"Crimes of this nature strike at the very foundation of our society. They threaten the sense of safety that every family deserves, and they demand a firm, united response from all of us. We must send a clear message that violence and lawlessness will never be tolerated in KwaZulu-Natal," he said.
The premier said their responsibility as the government is to protect people and to ensure communities live in safety, dignity, and peace.
"We will continue to intensify our efforts to combat violent crime, support victims, and build safer communities through partnership and decisive action. Justice for the family is not only a legal matter, but also a moral duty we all share."
