PARAMARIBO, Suriname (CMC) — A man who reportedly stabbed nine people to death in the Commewijne district in Suriname on Sunday in Suriname committed suicide while in custody, police have confirmed.

Police said 43-year-old Dennis Aroma was found lifeless on Monday morning in the cellhouse at the Centrum Police Station on Keizerstraat. They gave no other details, but media reports said he hanged himself in his cell.

Aroma was accused of going on a rampage in the district of Commewijne, located on the right bank of the Suriname River, during the early hours of Sunday, with police saying that they had received a report that a man had killed his four children and several neighbours.

The police said it later became clear that several of the neighbours, who had supported the family and protected his wife, were also among the victims. The death toll remained at nine.

President of Suriname, Jennifer Greelings-Simons, has expressed shock and disbelief, saying, “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.”

Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspect was a mentally disturbed person who had been arguing over the phone with his wife, with whom he had been separated. The conflict centred on picking up the children after the woman reportedly indicated that she did not want to come to the address herself and would send someone else to pick them up.

After this conversation, the suspect reportedly became completely distraught. It is alleged that he attacked his own children with a knife. Neighbours who came to help were also reportedly stabbed. Two of the victims, including the man’s eldest daughter, have since been hospitalised with stab wounds.

The country’s Minister of Justice Harish Monorath and Social Affairs and Housing Minister Diana Pokie have visited the scene of the murders.

Pokie said the incident has had a profound impact on both the affected community and society as a whole.

“The Government not only sympathises with the bereaved families, but also takes responsibility for learning lessons from this tragedy,” she said, underscoring the importance of social protection, early detection and a well-functioning referral system between the Ministries of Social Affairs, Justice and Police, and Public Health.

Monorath said that the investigation into the murders is being led by the Public Prosecution Service (OM) and will focus, among other things, on whether the suspect had previously received psychiatric treatment.

He said victim support services have also been provided by the Suriname Police Force (KPS), as well as trauma care in collaboration with the Public Health Service.

“The president has promised us that the funeral will be handled by the state and all other related matters,” said Monorath.

He said the Government is calling on society to show solidarity and camaraderie during this difficult time.

“The impact is enormous, but as Surinamese, we are known for our solidarity. Let us hold on to that and support each other,” Pokie added.