Update 4: Two men killed in Sliema stabbing
Two people were killed in High Street, Sliema this morning in what may have been an attempted robbery. Other theories are, however, also being considered.
Sources said the owner of the apartment, 32-year-old Duncan Zammit, and Nicholas Gera, 26, got into a knife fight which left them both dead. Both had multiple stab wounds.
It is believed the intruder entered the house from the roof and came to face to face with Mr Zammit's wife Claire Xuereb, the managing director of The Palace Hotel in Sliema and daughter of entrepreneur Anglu Xuereb.
The couple have three-month old twins.
From comments being submitted here as well as on Facebook, Mr Zammit was well-loved and respected by the people who knew him.
The police were informed about the incident at around 7.15 a.m. Autopsies on both corpses are to be carried out tomorrow.
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karl mallia
Jan 4th, 14:05
I am confused! The majority of Malta’s population seems to be full of experts and well learned people; others have crystal balls time machines or some kind of device that knows the truth. Yet it is in the state it is! WHY? My favourite quote “THE EMPTY CAN RATTLES THE MOST”
karl mallia
Jan 4th, 14:05
I am confused! The majority of Malta’s population seems to be full of experts and well learned people; others have crystal balls time machines or some kind of device that knows the truth. Yet it is in the state it is! WHY? My favourite quote “THE EMPTY CAN RATTLES THE MOST”
Mark Anthony Fenech
Jan 2nd, 17:36
There are too many people commenting here who watch and are impressed by CSI....
P. Ciantar
Jan 2nd, 14:56
as usual we jump to conclusions rip to both of them
Ms Maria Vella
Jan 2nd, 13:54
I guess a 'juicy' story like this makes up for the usual boring events on the local media ....PLEASE NOTE I AM BEING SARCASTIC
In fact I am disgusted by some of the comments posted here. Who are we to judge and jump to conclusions or make assumptions?
Instead of acting as wannabe journalists or detectives it would be better if you spared a thought and prayer for all the families involved who lost loved ones in such tragic circumstances.
May they find solace and support during such hard times.
Justine Odom
Jan 2nd, 11:58
How Tragic!! I am deeply disturbed by this incident. Please don't jump to any conclusions. Though i don't know Nicholas Gera personally I know his family well. His mother is one of the most upstanding citizens in Sliema. How do she and Nicky's brothers get over this one!? They have already lost a brother/son a few years ago. Everyone is surmizing it was a robbery. They are a well-to-do stable family and I rest assured that it was not so. I cannot fathom in a million years why this has happened to 2 up-standing people except that they were hurt emotionally so badly that they had to resort to this........rage!! I cannot imagine how Mr. Zammit's wife and family are going to come to terms with this senseless tradgedy. My heartfelt condolences, go out to both families! What a waste of life!! Mrs Gera, I am deeply saddened by your loss. Frist of one child and now again this! In this way! I can't believe the horror! May God walk with you and Mr. Zammit's family at this terrible hour. May you all find the strength to pick up the pieces and make sense of this terrible ordeal. My deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Joseph callus
Jan 2nd, 10:05
i would like to express my deepest sympathy to both families. both families are suffering deeply right now. Both men were respectable good men with no criminal records so this was definatily not a robbery. Let's not jump to conclusions and be judgemental and disrespectful, for all we know they were both victims.
Alan Fenech
Jan 2nd, 09:51
Please stop judging without knowing what really happened...The bottom line is that a father of two babies lost his life leaving his wife a widow... Besides one should also spend some thoughts to the family of the "intruder". Even if he is a criminal, which we don't really know yet for sure, his family is not to blame.
Whatever caused their deaths is not the point.
My condolences goes to Claire who was my schoolmate at De la Salle Sixth Form. May she find the strength to move on and the courage through her little angels.
Paul Azzopardi
Jan 2nd, 09:05
My condolences, Claire and Family. Such a tragic happening on the opening of a new year. I feel sorry abt the poor twins. Lots of versions are going on about, the whole story of the robbery definately doesn't gel and its sounding like some ''form'' of dispute sadly fuelled by rivalry or intoxication of sorts. But it would be unfair to draw conclusions from any angle. Just I feel very sad and sorry for Claire and the twins this is so tragic its almost unbelievable. I wish you courage and strenght.
Christian Mifsud
Jan 2nd, 08:44
Lets not jump to conclusions. Too many things do not add up. In the meantime sympathy should be shown to both families.
A. Borg
Jan 2nd, 06:38
A robbery at 7am by a neighbor? It just don't sound right. Condolences to both families.
Carl Debono
Jan 2nd, 06:08
who goes to steal at 7 in the morning??? the woman knows exactly what happened since during the commosion, verbal communiction has been exchanged . former CID
Neal Azzopardi
Jan 2nd, 11:48
indeed !!!
Keith Chircop
Jan 2nd, 00:43
According to the TVM news, the police have ruled out the possibility of it being a robbery, and the intruder went in there unarmed. This doesn't make much sense. That it happened on new year's eve might explain a few things.
Valerio Vella
Jan 1st, 23:44
what a way to begin 2012 so shocking !!!!
HENRY FENECH AZZOPARDI
Jan 1st, 22:55
Most of the comments below refer to the intruder as a robber. I beg to defer because no robber will complicate his actions by charging in at 07.00 hours knowing quite well that the occupants are at home. I feel more investigations should yield more proof as to the motive behind the intruder's actions.
Whatever the motive is, I give my condolences to both the Zammit and Xuereb families, and urge Claire whom I always admired through her touristic connections although I never met her, to fight back and give her twins the loving care they richly deserve. I am convinced you will have all the support coming from all quaters, but although no one unfortunately could give them the paternal love, they will grow up to know of their father's heroic action.
This is an enormous tragedy, but I am sure you will not give up. Duncan died for the respect and love of his family. He will be always around you praying for the upbringing of his dear ones. I am convinced that while you feel proud of your husband you feel grieved that he has been taken away from you unexpectedly.
God be with you at this diffult time.
In the meantime I urge the authorities to change the law with regards to exceeding self defence. There should not be any limitations of self defence if an unathorised person walks into private property. The occupants are already handicapped because they would be surprised by an intruder whereas the unathorised person is fully prepared for any eventuality. The occupants should be legally accepted to use any form of defence in this eventuality.
P. Tar
Jan 1st, 22:32
Whilst showing my deepest condolences to both the victims' families, I think it is highly inappropriate that so many of us are ready to jump to uninformed conclusions and label people as such and such under the circumstances. We talk about loss of values and hedonism and so on and so forth, but ironically we are showing a huge LACK OF RESPECT.
Steve Zammit
Jan 1st, 21:57
How sad
RIP
S.M. Cuschieri
Jan 1st, 21:53
What a sad beginning to the year. Being a mother myself and so very in love with my daughter's father, I cannot begin to imagine the pain the poor woman must be going through...after all Mr. Zammit was only protecting his wife and babies. Such a very sad and senseless tragedy. May the victim rest in peace and may claire find the strength to go on.
Aaron Vella
Jan 1st, 21:19
RIP Duncan, you will always be remebered for your courage.
A. Bugeja
Jan 1st, 21:06
R.I.P Duncan protecting ur family....they always say god takes the good ones early..... condolences to the family
Tonio Bone
Jan 1st, 20:58
Definitely not a good way to start the year for a generally close knit community like Malta! Thoughts go to the families of both deceased men as I am sure they are both distraught in the same exact manner!
Joe Xuereb
Jan 1st, 20:18
Happy New Year and all that, the traditional thing to say. But, it is time to get real. And may the families of Duncan Zammit somehow find the strength to deal with this ghastliness.
Following the fatal stabbing in Oxford Street on Boxing Day, some idiot here said that in comparison, Malta was safe. My take on this, I repeat, idiotic kneejerk response, is that, considering that London is a huge city of x million inhabitants, with plenty of places to 'hide', and Malta a tiny island with nowhere to run, of less than half a million people, an informed guess might suggest that Malta too has its hazards. Victims of violence do not wake up of a morning knowing they would not see the end of the day. To use a cliche, it is being in the wrong place at the wrong time (paradoxically, the wrong place may well be the 'safety' of your own home). With the criminally-minded, nowhere is safe. Maybe we should devote more energy to making our society into a more reasonable one rather than clamouring to make our empty pleasure-seeking legitimate via a smelly weed.
I spent New Year on the streets of London with a friend, smoking cigarettes and sharing a flask of hot water with just a dash of whisky. A very interesting experience watching the constant parade of human debris as they celebrated, what, exactly? The 'best' worst part is people wishing you this and that and kissing you - ugh! - including the boys. The 'bestest' worse is seeing the effect alcohol+the weed has on people. The weather was very mild+ plus so the young girls were as undressed as ever, many with their shoes in their hands walking on slimy pavements in their sheer stockings, if laddered. As in, the girls all glamorous(they think) and the guys looking like tramps. Is it any wonder of the guys, fuelled by whatever, go on the rampage or withdraw into themselves and 'imbibe' some more. With the occasional scuffle here and there, in London as elsewhere. Welcome to hedonism and the greed to have the means to buy whatever feeds it. Hedonism, as in, if you are not part of the solution, then you are part of the problem. Broken bottles everywhere. And a busy A@E no doubt. Welcome to the twenty-first century, more specifically, the year of the Olympics in this once great city.
Again, my greatest wish at the moment is to ease the pain of these Maltese families. I am deeply sorry that I can only sympathise which is not good enough I know.
@J.Farrugia (11:53). You want the murderer to burn in hell for a million years. Better still is the thought that the murderer's life here on earth is already his, Gera's, hell, ie. the demons he was incapable of dealing with. Demons, I should add, that are part and parcel of every one of us; most people deal with them better than others. And some, unfortunately, not at all. For this very reason, I would not want to be a single hair in the murderer's body and I am sure, nor would you. As I always say, evil is its own punishment. Here on earth. And I say this because I find much consolation in it.
Jeffrey Mallia
Jan 1st, 21:35
Some words to ponder.............and to reflect......just awesome.
A Dimech
Jan 1st, 22:25
I`m shocked at what has happened this morning.`Duncan `may you rest in peace and may your family keep strong for the sake of your two angels while you are keeping an eye on them from up above.You are a true hero and we will miss you. I am also upset at the leniency by our Law Courts as I was robbed by a `CARPET LAYER THEFT IN GZIRA` a few days ago at 6.30pm and I thank god that I didn`t walk in on them as I missed them by 30 minutes.I don`t know if I would be here writting this email today...Thanks to superentendant Jason Sultana caught the thieves in less than 48hrs putting his own life at risk as the young teenager attacked him with a knife.I am in utter disbelif to find out that these teenagers who are renowned & agressive were out on probation. My question is,why were they not locked in a proper rehab facility? if they were out on probation they should have anckle bracletes to keep an eye on them.These young criminals have no idea how to handle a situation when they are caught red handed especially if they are under the effect of drugs or other substances and that is when tragedy takes place..... I`m so sorry for all the families concerned may god give them the strenght and courage to move on for the sake of the children
Mike Hunt
Jan 2nd, 14:49
How did you go from a tragedy that left two young men dead to London bashing and far right prohibitionist propaganda?
Anthony Farrugia
Jan 1st, 19:23
May you rest in peace my friend.
edward seychell
Jan 1st, 18:43
SFORTUNATAMENT TLIFNA L VALURI,KAZ TAL BIKI .
Karl Abela
Jan 1st, 18:42
A heroic act to protect his young family. Condolences to Claire Zammit Xuereb and all the family. RIP Duncan!
J. Camilleri
Jan 1st, 18:36
Strieh fis- Sliem... Wera kemm tassew kien ragel tal-Familja ,,,u miet ghal uliedu !!!!!!
Alex Coppola
Jan 1st, 17:54
What a macabre way to start the new year for their families. May they rest in peace and the intruder/s be caught, tried and if found guilty sentenced to life in prison.
A. Xuereb
Jan 1st, 20:51
I think you need to read the article again: the intruder is one of the two men killed!
Condolences to the families of Mr Zammit and his widow.RIP.
Duncan Borg Ellul
Jan 1st, 17:41
Jiddispjaċini ħafna għal dak li ġara dalgħodu. Għadni ma nistax nemmen lil widnejja. Lil Duncan kont ilni nafu numru ta' snin fejn tista tgħid konna ġirien f'tas-Sliema. Memorji sbieħ meta konna abbatini, il-priedka tal-Milied li tellajna flimkien ta' eta' żgħira, l-iskola fil-primarja, fuq il-palk meta tellajna numru ta' performances flimkien fit-Teatru -Deporres u l-opportunita' li naħdmu flimkien fuq il-post tax-xogħol. L-aħħar memorji ta' Duncan kienu meta ltaqa' miegħi Għawdex bla ħsieb. Ir-ritratti li kien jieħu u jtella fuq facebook huma kollha memorji li mhu' se ninsihom qatt. Il-pariri siewja u l-ħbiberija kienu dawk li Duncan wera' minn tassew hu: Raġel tal-familja, ħabib tal-qalb u umli għal dak li wettaq u għożż f'ħajtu. Il-Kondoljanzi mill-qalb lil familja Zammit u Xuereb, lil ħbieb, qraba u ġirien. J'Alla f'dan il-mument traġiku issibu l-faraġ mistħoqq. - Duncan Borg Ellul
Keith Galea
Jan 1st, 17:31
A truly positive person and old friend. Condolence to family.
John Micallef
Jan 1st, 17:22
I've been struggling to find words.... No one deserves to die like this, and no one deserves to lose her loved one this way, much less Claire Xuereb whome I had briefly met some years ago, and was one of the nicest persons one could ever hope to meet.
My thoughts and payers go for Claire and her family, and the family of Mr. Zammit.
Mark Galea
Jan 1st, 16:59
May God forgive this intruder who destroyed this lovely family. Claire, may God grant you the strength to pull through this difficult time. R.I.P. Duncan. You were a real gentleman.
Mr Anthony Borg
Jan 1st, 16:26
re My former comment:
By "the intruder's name", I meant whether he had a criminal history, as obviously, just knowing a name does not throw much light on the tragic circumstances.
Joe B Edwards
Jan 1st, 16:23
What a tragedy, some people are damn heartless and shameless. I don't even think they were ever human to begin with to commit such a horrible act to an innocent man who was only defending his family and his home.
My condolences to Duncan's family. RIP Duncan.
Andrea Giallombardo
Jan 1st, 16:04
A true man! Protecting his children at all costs! So unfortunate for the family! Rest in peace!
Ms Rudi Mcbeal
Jan 1st, 15:34
Certain comments on these boards are clear evidence of how politically brainwashed and obsessed some people are - sheer ignorance if you ask me. Shame on you! Have you no respect?
My condolences to the victim's family and loved ones. May the Lord give you all the courage and strength you need at this time.
Tonio Bone
Jan 1st, 20:17
Ms.McBeal. Kindly read my comment further down, it perfectly reflects your thoughts. It's not lack of respect, it's utter ignorance! That is the way some people were brought up and unfortuneately there is nothing we can do about it!
Mr C Busuttil
Jan 1st, 21:30
Mr. Bone and Ms Mcbeal
Utter ignorance my foot and I find no politically brainwashed comments, only citizens shocked at this tragic event who are demanding severe penalties. Criminals in this country have been having an easy life and our Law courts are utterly ridiculous in imposing the law.
The Judiciary are above politics however politicians of whatever party have the duty to ensure that the Judiciary are doing their work not giving criminals the time of their life at the expense of their poor victims.
Both of you despite your know it all attitude fail to notice that many criminals are supposed to be locked up and not having suspended sentences which is no deterent at all for them. Its only an invitation to commit more crimes.
Maybe this tragic event is not the case of suspended sentences...... however severe jail sentences and no second chances will make certain beasts thing twice before doing their evil deeds. As things are at the moment at worst they get some 5 years of prison if they serve that prison term at all.
What people are asking is that the State stands up and protects its citizens from the bad apples.
Today's tragedy could repeat itself in other circumstances and the innocent victim pays the price of having a judiciary that is more inclined to give suspended sentences than to lock criminals, who will not reform not in this life nor in another.
May God enlighten our politicians of whatever colour and the members of the judiciary that its about time we clean the society from criminals.
May God give strength to the Zammit and the Xuereb families.
Pauline Abela
Jan 2nd, 06:45
I take it you refer to people's demands for better legislation.
If that is the case, demanding safety in one's own home cannot possibly be seen as a politically motivated statement. No individual citizen can do anything about general lawlessness except with the help of the legislators (not simply the judges). Therefore, the effectiveness or otherwise of whoever has the power to do anything about citizen's safety does lie primarily in the hands of politicians and secondarily in the hands of the judiciary who must enforce the law. Whichever way one looks at it - the buck stops with whoever is in power.
While no one can eliminate crime and criminals are not the absolute cause of whoever governs, it is only those in power who can take measures to reduce it. By all accounts, for a tiny island, Malta does seem to be suffering more than its fair share of criminality.
Condolences to Mr Zammit's family - a man who died doing the right thing. Condolences also to Mr Gera's family who I seriously doubt would have encouraged him to do what he did and who may well have been at the end of their tether for a very long time.
Effective legislation and a willingness to enforce it may have saved both men.
Maria Debono
Jan 1st, 15:14
I do not know this unlucky family, but I sincerely hope that Mrs Zammit finds solace in the fact that her husband defened his own. May God give him eternal rest and condolences to the family. May God forgive the intruder and give him eternal rest
Mr A CHIRCOP
Jan 1st, 15:00
Hallejtna bla kliem habib !!
Nibqa niftakrek bhala zaghzuh dahqan, u bhala ragel li tohloq ferh kbir madwarek !!
Nittama li martu Claire flimkien mal-familja jaghmlu kuragg, ghall dan in-nuqqas li gab niket kbir!!
THE GOOD DIE YOUNG !!
John A. Gauci
Jan 1st, 14:49
Very sorry for the Xuereb family especially for Duncan's wife and his twins. However, it is in the interest of all the Maltese nation to now more about the the person who went into his house. If he is found to be one of those persons whom the court gave him another chance to 'reform' - then I strongly ask the Authorities to change its policy about these kind of people.
Jenny Adams
Jan 1st, 14:33
My sympathy to Mr Zammit's widow, Claire, their children and extended family. What a horrible tragedy to happen to innocent people! Jenny Adams
John Zammit
Jan 1st, 14:25
My condolences to the family of Duncan Zammit Though I don't know them personally My God help his wife cope up with such a tragedy
Joe Abela
Jan 1st, 14:17
Lunghi Giorni to the family!
James Wightman
Jan 1st, 14:01
So sad my sincere condolences
J. Camenzuli
Jan 1st, 13:31
Jien ma nafhomx lill dawn in-nies,pero nixtieq naghti il-kondoljanzi tieghi lill familja ta Duncan,specjalment lill martu li zgur ghanda bzonn hafna support.
Duncan miet biex jipprotegi lill familja tieghu!Jien ma nafx min hu dan li dahal ghandu biex jisirqu,li naf hu li hawn hafna kriminali jigru mas saqajn,meta suppost li ahna inkunu protetti.
nispera li l-qrati jiehdu lezzjoni,waqt li huma kienu qeghdin jiccelebraw is-sena l-gdida,barra kien hemm kriminali,li forsi kienu qed igawdu minn xi sentenza sospiza,li hadu il hajja ta dan ir-ragel u cahhdu lill uliedu minn missierhom ghal dejjem.Dik hi li ghandhom izommu f'mohhom dawk kolla li huma nvoluti fil-gustizzja.U mhux imorru d-dar b'mohhom mistrieha.
Smajna anki b'kazi fejn nies inqatlu wara li kienu xebaw jirrapurtaw li qed jigu mhedda.Wara kulhadd brav1Miskin dak u miskin dik u nibqaw l-istess.
R.I.P. DUNCAN!
Paul Sturmeir
Jan 1st, 13:18
My thoughts and condolences for the family. What a disgrace on the start of a New Year.
Saint James, Paramedics.
Joe Busuttil
Jan 1st, 13:13
Shocking news. Poor relations who have begun the year on such a sad note. I ask,is it time for us law abiding citizens to go out armed to defend ourselves from these low life? It is a known fact that there are a good number of criminals,at any one time ,roaming the streets out on bail.
Joseph Calleja
Jan 1st, 14:57
It is time to review the rules and the laws of our courts. Maybe it is time to build another Prison Facility if we are running out of room in the ones we have..The courts and the authorities must stop pampering criminals and start thinking about the victim for a change.. Our courts have to stop passing out " Suspended Sentences " like passing out candy. Our courts have to be stopped from being dictated to. by Politics, Money and Nepotism in general. Carmel Mifsud Bonnici has to speak up and say "The buck stops here and mean it."
Paul Sammut
Jan 1st, 13:08
My depest condolences to Mrs Zammit Xuereb. The Xuereb and Zammit Familys
.
This is a very sad and heart breaking time for the familys when it should have been a very nice moment for the familys. While i will never forget Mr Zammit Xuereb and his family in my prayers i hope that his death will not be forgotten and the legal system will show no mercy in fact one should start to think about building a prison on comino to keep these people away from decent family people better then parole.
A. Falzon
Jan 1st, 14:26
Comino is too beautifull for people like that. Maybe Filfla would be better. R.I.P.
Adrian Camilleri
Jan 1st, 12:56
Mamma mia fhiex wasalna! Kuragg lil familji involuti
Ka Busuttil
Jan 1st, 12:51
May he rest in peace and may his family have all the support possible in this difficult time and the months and years ahead...
Alfredo Agius
Jan 1st, 12:50
RIP Duncan :(
I'll miss our friendly Mac vs PC arguments at work :(
Nick Grech
Jan 1st, 12:47
Duncan,you will be in our thoughts for ever......May God keep his hands on your family & relatives in such sadness moments.
Nick Grech
Emmanuel Caruana
Jan 1st, 12:39
Condolences to Claire and all the families. Rest in peace Duncan.
Nick Grech
Jan 1st, 12:36
Duncan,you will be in our thoughts for ever......May God keep his hands on your family & relatives in such sadness moments.
Nick Grech
Charles Caruana Carabez
Jan 1st, 12:33
Absolutely nobody deserved Duncan's cruel but heroic end. Neither did Claire, with whom I had the pleasure of working on the ITS Board. Such a lovely person. Those kids wring your heart out. A time for prayer and support for Claire. God speed Duncan who died as a hero.
Claude Camilleri
Jan 1st, 12:29
Dear God give Duncan's family, his partner and baby twins the strength and love they will need in their lives especially now.
Ray Mizzi
Jan 1st, 12:24
Really sorry for this tragedy and sorry for living on this Beautiful Island which I describe as a jungle. Justice must do something quickly because we can't let these criminals walking free.
Hope Duncan's Family find peace in God mercy. Although I don't know Duncan I describe him as a real HERO
P. Ciantar
Jan 3rd, 07:21
as usual we comment before knowing facts. I do not say who is the hero or villian prior to knowing facts . In your case you would be a bad detective.....hope both man will find peace in the lord
laura ferrito
Jan 1st, 12:24
What a sad way to start the new year, i know from experience that no words can sooth such a scar. All I can say is for all the family to be strong. I can't understand and never will I guess, what drives one to commit such an act, robbing one s life and after all for the robber to end up loosing his life as well.
JUSTIN A FARRUGIA
Jan 1st, 12:18
Duncan was a big friend of me. Can not forget those good days @ work. Great person with great heart. Condolences to his family. from Justin A.Farrugia
Keith Ellul
Jan 1st, 12:11
Dear Duncan, i will never forget you, may you rest in peace, you are a real hero !!! you made your family proud !
Keith
George Attard
Jan 1st, 13:02
a hero indeed. a great man that I had the pleasure to get to know 4 years ago.
Eric Camilleri
Jan 1st, 12:09
Deepest condolences to Mrs Zammit Xuereb, the Zammit and the Xuereb families, relatives and friends. Last but not least are our heartfelt affection for those baby twins. May Mr Zammit’s wife find the strength and support to move ahead for the sake of her young children for whom Mr Zammit paid the final price to protect them. May his death not be in vain and that this sends a very strong message to our Law Courts and our lenient legal system. Suspended sentences, amongst other scot free absurdities, must evaporate from our legal sentencing. Criminals are Criminals and they will take what is not theirs, including lives of innocents. The Law Courts are there to protect us by locking away such people. This has nothing to do with Politics but is a matter of mindset. As for the Police these cannot be everywhere and cannot be blamed when they are not there to avoid the crime. As the saying goes “when seconds count, the police are minutes away” and there is no way to avoid this. However the leniency by our Law Courts can be avoided and it is to blame and considered accomplish to these criminals. Who was this criminal ? Mug shots should always be distributed of serial criminals so we know who we are dealing with when we come face to face with them in our neighbourhoods and not us ending up being their victims when they are supposed to be behind bars. Mr Zammit may your sacrifice not be in vain in every sense of the word.
Alfred Grech
Jan 1st, 13:20
A huge tragedy and condolences go to the families of the victim. Would be interesting to know more about the murderer and if he happened to have been on bail and if he was, what is the government going to do? Any chance of putting stricter rules in the courts who at times seem like playing the role of Santa Claus withe the criminals?
Noel Scerri
Jan 1st, 12:04
Condolences to the family, may god be with you all in such difficult times.
Alfred Falzon
Jan 1st, 12:03
I am stunned and short of words. Deep sympathy to the late Mr Duncan Zammit's unfornuate spouse, his two beloved angels and to the rest of his family and relatives.
But why?...
What's happening around us?
Alfred Gatt
Jan 1st, 11:55
Words cannot express the suffering involved in this tragedy. Silence and reflection is appropriate here. Life is so sacred. Let us learn a lesson on the value of human life. RIP and may loveand forgiveness reign in our hearts. Dearest Lord, we leave this tragedy in your care.
J Farrugia
Jan 1st, 11:53
RIP Duncan, you will not be forgotten.
To the robber, i hope you burn in hell for a million years.
Peter Busuttil
Jan 1st, 11:52
Although I don't know the late Mr Zammit, may he rest in peace. My condolences to his wife and family.
Giovanni Rizzo
Jan 1st, 11:50
Mr.Zammit may you rest in peace.
maria aquilina
Jan 1st, 11:50
Ist January.Jum il-Paci. We prayed for peace this morning during Mass.V ery tragic day for both families.Poor mothers. God help them at this difficult moment.
philip galea
Jan 1st, 11:50
I just so the news what a terribel new year for this young family. I work at prision and all i can say is that Prisioners dont like thes things. Who ever than thes act of violienc dont diserve to live.The bad thing is that the justis is down the drian. I am sure that rules and regulations will be effectid and put fowerd after what happend to day becouse thats how the system workes.
We need to protect ouer familys from these kind of pepole.
Dunstan Crockford
Jan 1st, 11:47
Rest in Peace dear Duncan! Sincere condolences to all his loved ones! What a sad start to this new year!
Matthew Montebello
Jan 1st, 11:46
Condolences to Duncan's parents ... to our dear friends Gordon, Lewis & Fiona ... from all your Veritas friends ... who will miss Duncan ... RIP dear buddy ...
V Agius
Jan 1st, 11:43
It is a horrible tragedy. Sincerely hoping that if there are more accomplices in this outrageous crime are identified and brought to justice. The culprits of such shameful acts should given years behind bars that make justice with their victims. RIP to Mr. Duncan Zammit and condolences to all his family and relatives.
Josephine Muscat
Jan 1st, 11:43
a shocking news - great support needed for Claire and parents..... not an easy task - too hard to believe - simply speechless and very very saddening .... justice should react for such doings!!!! this poor father was only in his own residence... enjoying a peaceful morning with his dear twins and wife..... MAY GOD HELP THIS FAMILY
Steve Zammit
Jan 1st, 11:42
what a shocking way how to start 2012
RIP
Mr Mario Muscat
Jan 1st, 11:38
What a tragic day,what a waste of life , RIP Duncan. My God give the courage to his wife and family in this diffcult moment.
Michael Magri
Jan 1st, 11:35
Mr Zammit died defending his family from an intruder with NO heart at all. R.I.P...
I do not know the Zammits.. But.. Why do such people do such horrible things at all costs, is beyond my immagination..!! When i read of such tragedies i always ask myself.. Why do we have such thefts..? Is it drugs..? Unemployment..? WHAT..??!!??!! Society deserves to be more Effectively Protected...
My condolances to Mrs Zammit and her families..
Matthew Scerri
Jan 1st, 11:35
Duncan - may you rest in peace and continue to live on through your daughters. My deepest condolences to your family. We only used to meet once a year but I feel like I lost a great friend :( RIP.
Ms.D. Galea
Jan 1st, 11:30
What a dreadful start of 2012. What a tragedy.
My prayers and solidarity to the families left to mourn their dear ones.
Mr Zammit is a hero. He lost his life saving those of his near and dear ones.
Toni Muscat
Jan 1st, 11:30
My heart felt thoughts and prayers are with his family at this awful time. Have we reached the point in time where we now have to put security gates on all our windows and more locks on the doors like they have abroad ?
Wilfrid Buttigieg
Jan 1st, 13:21
I share Mr Toni Muscat's thoughts and prayers for the victim's family.
Justin Spiteri
Jan 1st, 11:27
Condolences, at least the intruder got what he deserved.... too high a price to pay though....
Silvio B
Jan 1st, 11:26
Condolences to the victim , rest in Peace you died protecting your family!!!!!!!!!!!!
Mark Micallef
Jan 1st, 11:26
It's the expected thing to say when someone passes away but I cannot think of a nicer man and sweeter father than Duncan. May his wife and his family draw some solace from knowing this. You will be missed by many, friend.
Jimmy Magro
Jan 1st, 11:23
This is really a great pity! A young father is dead while defending his family !!
Condolences to the victim's family nad may God provide you with the necessary strength to take care of those twins.
I would reserve further comments not to create any controversy but I believe that the readers will understand what I mean.
Joanne Micallef
Jan 1st, 11:22
What a tragedy. My thoughts go to his wife who must be devastated for losing the father of her infant children and the love of her life. May her babies give her the strength to carry on and her faith help her in the darkest hours.
j. mangion
Jan 1st, 11:18
martri tal-familja...................................................
f'jum il-paci........................
grazzi sinjur alla....................................................
ahfrilna sinjur alla..............
Mauro Camilleri
Jan 1st, 11:13
Will never forget your smile my friend. Rest in peace.
phyllis butler
Jan 1st, 11:12
Please spare a thought and a prayer for this family especially his wife, the twins, his mother and all his loved ones. I think political comments are out of place in this context.
Alexander Sciberras
Jan 1st, 11:07
Did the aggressor have a name? Deepest condolences to family Zammit.
D Zampa
Jan 1st, 11:06
What a tragic story, me deepest condolonces to all the family.
S. Camilleri
Jan 1st, 11:05
What a tragedy ... A father of new born twins dying on New Year's Eve to protect his family.
Condolences to the family and our prayers to the two children who will never know their Dad.
Stuart McNeil
Jan 1st, 22:28
Two children who will never know their dad--that just breaks my heart--its so sad
Mark J. Magri
Jan 1st, 10:59
We have started this year 2012 with this bad news.
It is a pity to start the New Year with these type of mishappenings afterall!
May all of us here in Malta and the entire world have a very good year full of peace and tranquility.
GRANPINTO
KENNETH CUCCIARDI
Jan 1st, 10:58
Sympathy to family Zammit . Duncan was a dear old friend who I used to play and have fun with.
KENNETH CUCCIARDI
lilly vella
Jan 1st, 10:58
ksaht bla kliem.
Kenneth Williams
Jan 1st, 10:52
X Gharukaza Rest In Peace Duncan...may god be with his family in such moment
Joseph N. Attard
Jan 1st, 10:49
I put it down at the collective court's responsibility. The ridiculous sentences handed down are no deterrent. Malta is no longer the Malta of the fifties. If our Judiciary is not being strict enough, it is time for our politicians to amend all the laws, and introduce really hard minimum sentences which no Magistrate or Judge can go below. Some will say we must not legislate in response to a single crime. But these crimes are no longer so few and far between. Time to introduce the American three strike law: break it three times, and you are in for life.
Anthony Camilleri
Jan 1st, 11:45
True not the time or comments but then when events are or gotten nothing happens. MALTA NEEDS TO HAVE VERY VERY VERY HARSH PENALTIES WHERE THE CITIZENS' LIFE IS IN ANY WAY THREATENED OR VIOLATED. VIOLENCE HAS TO BE SEVERELY PUNISHED NO SLAPS ON THE WRIST ANYMORE BY OUR COURTS.
JOSEPH CROKER
Jan 1st, 10:48
Condolences to Duncan Zammit's family at this terrible time and may the Lord grant him eternal rest.
Jay Oatmon
Jan 1st, 10:43
This is partly because of the dysfunctional courts/justice system here in Malta where the criminals rights come before the victims.
These very frequent knife crimes and overall violent crimes are a national disgrace - and the government as usual sits on its hands and does nothing with the mickey mouse courts system.
To me it seems that no one is accountable for the appalling incompetent courts situation here in Malta (The EU needs to force action on this issue - no one in Malta will do anything).
Why is the government frozen by indecision - the people know what is needed, a new bigger jail, bigger courts to hadnle justice more speedily and jail time for the violent ones no matter what the sob story is. Not spending millions on a new city gate where they all get 'their slice of the pie.'
Stephen Florian
Jan 1st, 10:43
Time to clean up and put away this sick bunch roaming our streets and I mean for good.
G Zammit
Jan 1st, 10:41
This is such sad news. What a way to start the new year. I suspect Mr Zammit was not only defending his home but also his family... A true hero. RIP Mr Duncan Zammit.
A. Kaz
Jan 1st, 10:39
Deepest sympathy & Condolences to Mr. Zammit's loved ones....
Duncan Abdilla
Jan 1st, 10:38
so sad to hear.. My deepest condolences to the Zammit family.
H. Galea
Jan 1st, 10:36
Don´t tell me that the robber was someone on bail !!
charles muscat
Jan 1st, 10:36
lets all respect this family in such a terrible time for them and their relatives,i lost my appetite with such tragic news.god bless his wife and the twins
Gordon Borg
Jan 1st, 10:28
its a pity to get stabbed in the privacy of your own home.....................these robbers are so craved to sustain their habit that no prison will fear them.REST IN PEACE.
Charles Sammut
Jan 1st, 10:27
Sympathy and condolences are well and good. But it is clear that the justice system has failed this father of 2 babies. And it has failed him and his young family in the most disastrous way imaginable.
Just very recently two 'foreigners' violently assaulted a man in Msida, robbed him and left him for dead. They got a suspended sentence. What sort of deterrent is that?
Alfred E. Zahra
Jan 1st, 11:08
How can you say that the justice system failed this father? Must you blame the justice system when a criminal commits a crime. Your knowledge of what the justice system is is paplable.
Emanuel Vella
Jan 1st, 10:27
It is perhaps time that robbers are treated more harshly by our justice system. As things stand, house break-ins are generally treated as minor crimes undertaken by drug-fueled financial needs. But the system simply ignores the victims and assumes that an insurance policy is the solution. What is ignored is the fear and trauma that remains with the victims throughout their life. My house was broken into three years ago, my valuables were stolen and probably sold to corrupt jewellers who most likely bought them for a pittance and no one was ever caught. To this day my heart skips a beat whenever I return home with the fear that it has been broken into again.
What happened this morning should not happen to anyone, let alone a young family.
The start to avoiding a repetition is to lock these animals for a long time not slap them on the wrist as if nothing has happpened.
r bonello
Jan 1st, 10:22
missier ta twins, miet biex jipprotegi il-familja....kondoljanzi lill-familja tieghu
Il-halliel gie f'gustizzja mieghu innifsu mighajr qrati.
j brincat
Jan 1st, 10:16
My condolences to the Zammit family. How horrible!
(jb)
Kenneth galea
Jan 1st, 10:16
You left us so young cousin. You died protecting your family. In our prayers. Unfathomable tragedy.
Andre Abdilla
Jan 1st, 10:13
Just cannot believe it. May you rest in peace Duncan.
carlos ellul
Jan 1st, 10:12
Family Zammit are the perfect example of what victims of society mean. A hardworking family who was ruined thanks to a criminal. I am all out in favor in helping former criminals to rebuild their lives but a crime is a crime and should be treated as so. Suspended sentences are a JOKE.
B Attard
Jan 1st, 10:12
X'gharukaza .... umbaghad f'dawn iz-zminijiet. Sur Zammit RIP u j'alla l-familja li halla warajh jirnexxilha ssib il-farag.
M. Bezzina
Jan 1st, 11:00
GHARUKAZA HIJA DEJJEM MHUX FLEWWEL TAS SENA BISS!!!
Joe Fenech
Jan 1st, 10:11
Gangsters in Malta are kings. Scrap the courts and get a new system and new blood in.
Matthew Borg
Jan 1st, 10:09
May Duncan Zammit rest in peace. Condolences to his family at this moment in time.
Ramon Casha
Jan 1st, 10:08
My deepest sympathies to the Zammit family. What a horrible way to start the year.
MALCOLM SEYCHELL
Jan 1st, 10:08
Condolences to the victims family.
Mario Brincat
Jan 1st, 10:39
victims? what victims? there was only ONE victim in this tragedy, the other so called person whoever it might be can go to hell!
S. Zammit
Jan 1st, 10:00
He died protecting his wife and kids. What a tragedy. May Mr. Zammit rest in peace.
Charles Micallef
Jan 1st, 09:58
Shocking news for the begining of the new year!
May god help the victim's family in their hour of need!
Chris Xuereb
Jan 1st, 09:51
Sad start to 2012! The would be robber got what he deserved............My condolences go out to the family of the Victim.
VV Bartolo
Jan 1st, 09:48
imma b'liema dritt tidholli f'dahri? tippretendi li tiehu hwejjgi? kif ukoll tehodli hajjti?
Mark Azzopardi
Jan 1st, 09:45
bilkemm ta cans is-sena l-gdida tibda -_____-
Horace Schembri
Jan 1st, 09:40
What a way to start the year :(:(
Clive Xuereb
Jan 1st, 09:33
Cousin Duncan a father of two 3 month old babies killed by his bedside.
Please pray for all. Lord Help.
maria Gauci
Jan 1st, 17:20
your family will be in my prayers...... extremely sad (although I do no know you)....
M. Bezzina
Jan 1st, 09:29
A very nice start for the yr 2012!!!!!!!!
Charles Sammut
Jan 1st, 09:27
With suspended sentences being meted out for aggravated assault and robbery, no wonder this scum took his chance. Luckily he got instant justice meted out. Unluckily, his victim lost his life defending himself and his property.
Martin Busuttil
Jan 1st, 09:22
not such a good news to start the new year with.
Mr twanny borg
Jan 1st, 09:10
nispera li mhux il-vittmi.