Mkhwanazi urges employee vetting after seven murdered in apparent inside job

By Johnathan Paoli

KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi has urged employers to conduct thorough background checks on workers after the arrest of three suspects for the kidnapping and murder of seven people in Newark, KZN.

One of the suspects, who investigators believe orchestrated the attack, had been employed by the victims, he said.

Mkhwanazi, commending investigators for the swift response and capture of the accused, said police would work to ensure justice for the victims’ family, but that some crimes could be prevented through greater vigilance.

“It is worrisome that one of the suspects was employed by the victims. We are urging employers to do background checks on all the people they employ and also study their suspicious behaviour. Some cases, especially in the farms and secluded areas, are committed by people who are familiar and close to the victims,” he said.

On Tuesday night, the seven people were