The two people accused of raping and killing Lolitha Kowa are scheduled to appear again in the Khayelitsha Magistrate’s Court on Friday.
Please note: This article contains descriptions that may be upsetting to some readers.
Court appearance for suspects in Lolitha Kowa case
Lolitha was a seven-year-old girl from Kuyasa in Khayelitsha. She went missing on 22 July 2025, and her body was found the next day at a dumping site, just 1.5 kilometres from her home.
According to reports, 35-year-old Odwa Jack and his girlfriend, 32-year-old Nokuthula Matyeseni, were arrested after Lolitha’s body was discovered. The child had last been seen playing with a friend. When she didn’t return home, her mother reported her missing.
The mother of Lolitha’s friend, Matyeseni, and Matyeseni’s boyfriend, Jack, were soon taken into custody. Investigators said that blood believed to be Lolitha’s was found inside Matyeseni’s house and in Jack’s taxi.
During their first court appearance, the State said a sock had been shoved down the child’s throat. Her fingernails showed signs of a struggle, and DNA samples were taken from under them.
Community members oppose bail
Residents of Kuyasa have pleaded with the court not to release the accused on bail.
Some community members have attended the court proceedings to express their anger and heartbreak.
Codeta, the Cape Organisation for the Democratic Taxi Association, where Jack worked as a driver, also said it does not support his actions.
“We want the family to know we do not support what he did. We will also attend court and stand with those calling for the magistrate to deny bail,” Codeta chairperson Nceba Enge said.
Enge also confirmed that Jack had previously served a five-year sentence for car theft.
Funeral and support for the family
Lolitha Kowa’s funeral is set to take place in the Eastern Cape this weekend. Codeta donated R15,000 towards the funeral and provided a taxi to transport the family.
“The association came and supported us. We are very happy about their assistance. We are still deeply hurt about what happened to Lolitha,” Lolitha’s aunt, Ntombifuthi Kowa told IOL News.
Earlier this week, a memorial service was held at Ludwe Ngamlana Primary School, where Lolitha was a Grade 1 pupil.
Teachers, classmates, and members of the community gathered to mourn her and demand justice.
The case continues at the Khayelitsha Magistrate’s Court, where the focus remains on whether the accused will be granted bail.
