A devastating stabbing attack in Suriname’s capital, Paramaribo, has left nine people dead, including five children, authorities confirmed on Sunday. The incident occurred overnight in and around a residential property, shocking the local community and the nation.
Police said the suspect, a man believed to be experiencing severe mental health problems, was injured during the incident and has since been arrested. According to officials, four of the children who lost their lives were the suspect’s own.
Attack Followed Domestic Dispute
Local media reports indicate that the violence followed a heated argument between the suspect and his wife over the phone. Shortly after the dispute, the man allegedly attacked multiple victims inside his home and nearby residences.
One of the victims was his 11-year-old daughter, who was reportedly stabbed multiple times in the family kitchen. The attack then spread to neighbouring individuals, resulting in the deaths of four adults and five children in total.
Police Forced to Open Fire
When law enforcement officers arrived at the scene on Hadji Iding Soemitaweg, a residential area in the Commewijne district, the suspect allegedly confronted them with a sharp weapon. Police said they were forced to open fire to stop the attack.
The suspect sustained a gunshot wound to the leg and was taken to hospital, where he remains under police guard. Authorities have not released his identity.
In addition to the fatalities, a sixth child and an adult were critically injured and rushed to hospital for emergency treatment.
Mental Health Concerns Raised
Neighbours told local reporters that the suspect had a history of mental health issues, raising concerns about the availability of mental health support and early intervention in the community. Police said a full investigation is under way to determine the exact circumstances that led to the attack.
President Expresses Condolences
Suriname’s President, Jennifer Geerlings-Simons, addressed the tragedy in a statement shared on social media, expressing sorrow and solidarity with the victims’ families.
She described the incident as a heartbreaking reminder of the darker realities that can exist even within family settings and extended her condolences to all those affected by the violence.
Authorities have stated that more details will be released as the investigation progresses.
