Heartbreak in Kokstad: mother of missing girl pleads for answers
Concerns are growing over the investigation, with the family questioning delays in forensic processes and police response.
The mother of a missing Kokstad girl Lathitha Mtolo has made an emotional plea for answers, following a disturbing discovery in Marikana township.
The seven-year-old has been missing since February.
Her disappearance has sparked an ongoing search.
Mother needs answers
Her mother, Nandipha Mtolo, says what is believed to be human remains were discovered over the Easter weekend by a man who alerted police.
The authorities then searched the area and recovered additional items of clothing.
Mtolo says it is deeply concerning that the area had already been searched several times by both police and residents.
She believes that some of the clothing found belongs to her daughter.
"On these clothes there is a cream blouse and black socks that I did not recognise. but the panty, the short and top belong to my daughter. I asked for her purple flip flops, and I was told they were not there. "
She says she was unable to immediately confirm the clothing when it was first shown to her.
She recalls breaking down in tears, adding that the clothes appeared to have been folded, leaving her uncertain about what may have happened to her child.
The family has raised concerns about the investigation, questioning why forensic processes including fingerprint analysis have not yet been conducted and why K9 search units were not redeployed after the discovery.
The mother has also called for the man who reported finding suspected human remains in the area to be formally questioned, noting that the location had already been thoroughly searched.
She has further expressed fears for her safety and that of her other child, citing allegations circulating in the community about threats and alleged unpaid debts.
Police previously questioned a 33-year-old man who allegedly matched the description of the last person seen with Lathitha. He was later released by the Kokstad Magistrate’s Court due to insufficient evidence.
The case has sparked protests in the area, with several homes set alight amid rising tensions.
Officials visit the family
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli
https://www.ecr.co.za/news/news/tuli-warns-corruption-case-delays-ruins-public-trust/
has also visited Kokstad to receive an update on the investigation and meet with the family.The family continues to appeal for anyone with information to come forward, saying they are desperate for answers as the search for Lathitha continues.
Meanwhile, DA KZN leader Francois Rodgers says there is too much speculation and not enough clear information being shared with the family.
Rodgers visited Lathitha’s family in Kokstad on Friday.
He says poor communication is hindering progress in the investigation.
Rodgers stresses the family is not receiving proper emotional support.
“The family is very traumatized still. You can imagine losing a 7-year-old child, and I'll be engaging with Mbali Shinga this afternoon to see how the department(Social Development) can probably arrange some counselling.”
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