Search intensifies for missing Kokstad girl (7)
Search continues for missing Kokstad girl Lathitha Mtolo, with community unrest and protests escalating.
A Kokstad family is pleading for answers as the search continues for missing pupil Lathitha Mtolo.
The seven-year-old girl went missing on the 26th of February, after she was last seen playing with friends in the Marikana township.
Police questioned a 33-year-old man, who allegedly matched the description of the person she was last seen with.
The man who was also assaulted by an angry mob was later released by the Kokstad Magistrate's Court due to insufficient evidence.
Community unrest and protests erupt
Mtolo’s disappearance has since sparked protests in the community, with tensions escalating and four homes being set alight — including houses allegedly linked to traditional healers.
Family spokesperson Sihle Ngxishe says the situation has been emotionally devastating as they continue to search for the young girl.
" We just need her back. I don't know if she's still alive. I don't know what will need to happen or even where to start. Social media might help us because I believe someone knows something, but they're just quiet. Her siblings are trying to cope, but some days are worse than others. Her granny, mother and her father are not doing well."
Premier Thami Ntuli will be in Kokstad on Saturday to get an update on police investigations and meet with Mtolo’s family.
Craigieburn home invasion
Meanwhile, police in Umkomaas are probing whether a home invasion in Craigieburn was a targeted attack after a woman was shot.
Authorities say an unknown suspect entered the property and opened fire on the 26-year-old on Friday.
IPSS Medical Rescue says the attacker allegedly posed as a delivery driver to gain access to the home.
KZN SAPS spokesperson Paul Magwaza says while no arrests have been made, attempted murder and house robbery investigations are continuing.
" It is reported that an unknown suspect entered a home and shot the victim on the upper body multiple times, and thereafter took three cell phones before leaving the house. The victim sustained serious injuries and was rushed to hospital for medical attention."
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