At a Glance
- Knife attack outside Paramaribo kills at least nine, including five children.
- Attacker, a 43-year-old man, targeted his own children and neighbors.
- Police say the suspect was injured while attempting to assault officers.
- Why it matters: The incident highlights a sudden spike in violent crime in Suriname, a country known for low murder rates.
A brutal knife attack outside Suriname’s capital, Paramaribo, has left at least nine people dead, including five children, according to police. The 43-year-old suspect reportedly struck his own children and neighbors after a phone argument with his estranged wife.
The Attack
The assault took place in Richelieu, a suburb in the Commewijne district about 25 kilometres east of Paramaribo. Neighbors say the suspect began after his wife refused to pick up their children and instead sent someone else. The attacker then used a knife to strike his own children and neighbors.
- Four of the attacker’s children
- A neighbor’s child
- Several neighbors
| Category | Number |
|---|---|
| Dead | 9 |
| Children | 5 |
Police Response
Suriname’s Police Corps said the suspect tried to attack arriving officers and was injured during his arrest. He is now recovering in a hospital. A sixth child and another adult were seriously injured and are being treated in Paramaribo.
- Sixth child injured
- Another adult injured
Reactions
Surinamese President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons posted on Facebook, expressing condolences.
President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons wrote:
> “I wish all the bereaved much strength, resilience, and comfort in this unimaginably difficult time.”
The president wrote in Dutch, the nation’s official language.
Suriname, a former Dutch colony, has a population of about 600,000 and historically low murder rates. However, the murder rate spiked to 30 homicides per 100,000 residents in 2024, according to Insight Crime.
Key Takeaways
- Nine dead, five children
- Attacker targeted his own children and neighbors
- Murder rate spiked to 30 per 100,000 in 2024
The tragic incident underscores a troubling rise in violent crime in Suriname and raises questions about community safety.
