Nine people including five children have been stabbed to death on the outskirts of Suriname's capital, Paramaribo, according to police reports.
Another adult and child were hospitalized with serious injuries following the attack, as confirmed by city authorities.
Law enforcement arrived at the scene on a road leading away from the capital on Saturday night. A male suspect was detained after police shot him in the leg; he was also taken to the hospital and is under police guard.
Local media have reported that the suspect suffers from mental health issues, based on statements from officials and community members. Furthermore, the president of Suriname mentioned that the suspect's family and neighbors were among the victims.
In a heartfelt statement, Jennifer Geerlings-Simons remarked, 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.
Authorities indicated that more details regarding the incident would be disclosed later. Stabbing incidents are uncommon in Suriname, a nation known for its relatively low rates of such violence. Historically, the country has faced challenges, including coups and a civil war since its independence from the Netherlands in 1975.
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