Seven-year-old Lathitha Mtolo of Marikana Township, Kokstad, was one of two seven-year-old children who vanished in separate incidents that have shaken the community. Her remains were found in March, a month after her disappearance, and DNA results released in June confirmed her identity.
The discovery of the body of seven-year-old Ndalo Jona has reignited fear across Kokstad and intensified calls for a specialised police task team to investigate a string of child disappearance cases that have left the community traumatised.
Greater Kokstad Municipality Mayor Lwanda Madikizela has formally appealed to the KwaZulu-Natal Police Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, urging the establishment of a dedicated investigative unit to determine whether recent child disappearance cases are linked and to ensure those responsible are identified and brought to justice.
The mayor's appeal follows the recovery of Ndalo's body in a forest near Mount Currie High School, a location not far from where the remains of another seven-year-old, Lathitha Mtolo, were previously discovered.
According to his family, Ndalo disappeared on July 12 after leaving home to look for his soccer ball. He was carrying a cellphone and had been playing games shortly before he vanished. When he failed to return, an extensive search involving relatives, community volunteers, residents and police was launched.
