In a tragic turn of events, nine individuals, including five children, were brutally stabbed to death on the outskirts of Suriname's capital, Paramaribo, according to local police reports.
An adult and a child were also severely injured and transported to a medical facility for treatment. Authorities received reports of the attack late Saturday night.
Police responded to the scene, where they apprehended a male suspect after firing a shot that injured him in the leg. The suspect is currently under police supervision at the hospital.
Local media outlets have indicated that the suspect may be grappling with mental health issues, as suggested by officials and nearby residents. President of Suriname, Jennifer Geerlings-Simons, revealed that the suspect's family and neighbors constituted some of the victims.
In an emotional statement, Geerlings-Simons expressed the community's sorrow: At a time when family and friends should be holding on to and supporting each other, we are confronted with the harsh reality that there is another side to the world. I wish all the bereaved much strength, courage, and comfort during this unimaginably difficult time.
The police have promised to disclose further details about the events surrounding this tragic incident. Stabbing deaths are quite rare in Suriname, which often records some of the lowest rates of such violence.
Despite this, Suriname has a history marked by several coups and civil war since its independence from the Netherlands in 1975.
