Kokstad unrest erupts after suspect behind missing girl released

The Kokstad community erupted into protest following the disappearance of seven-year-old Lathitha Mtolo. She was last seen on Thursday last week while playing with friends. Public outrage intensified after the Kokstad Magistrate’s Court released a 33-year-old suspect on Tuesday, citing a lack of compelling evidence directly linking him to the incident.

A community march that brought the town to a standstill nearly descended into violence after the suspect’s release. Reports indicate that four houses were set alight, including the home of a traditional healer who is currently in hiding and has been implicated in the child’s disappearance – allegations he strongly denies. On the day the houses were torched, the road in Marikana township connecting Shayamoya and Bhongweni was barricaded, forcing vehicles transporting schoolchildren and workers to seek alternative routes.

No arrests have been made in connection with the unrest, and police search and rescue teams continue efforts to locate the missing child. The Mayor of Kokstad, Lwanda Madikizela, has urged the community not to take the law into their own hands and to allow the police the necessary space to carry out their investigations. He stated that the local leadership is deeply concerned that the unrest engulfing the town could create an opportunity for criminal elements to exploit the instability and commit further acts of lawlessness under the cover of chaos. The Mayor further emphasised that the municipal leadership is working closely and collaboratively with the police to ensure that every possible effort is made to locate the missing child.