Officials said the victims included four of the attacker's children and neighbours who came to their aid. The victims were located at multiple homes, local media reported.
Sunday's attack took place in Richelieu in the Commewijne district about 25km east of Paramaribo.
Neighbours said the attack began after the suspect, a 43-year-old man, had an argument over the phone with his wife, with whom he no longer lived.
The neighbours said after the suspect's wife said she would not pick up the children, but would instead send someone else for them, the suspect attacked his kids with a knife and also went after neighbours in their homes.
Suriname's Police Corps said the suspect attempted to attack police officers who arrived on the scene and he was injured during his arrest. The man is recovering in a hospital.
Police said a sixth child and another adult were seriously injured in the attack and were being treated at a hospital in Paramaribo.
On her Facebook page, Surinamese President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons reacted to the news, saying the attacker took the life of his children and his neighbours.
"I wish all the bereaved much strength, resilience, and comfort in this unimaginably difficult time," Geerlings-Simons wrote in Dutch, the nation's official language.
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