Kidnapping charge added in case of Khayelitsha couple accused of Lolitha's murder
A charge of kidnapping has been added to the case against a Khayelitsha couple accused of murdering seven-year-old Lolitha Kowa.
Nokuthula Matyeseni, 33, and her boyfriend, Odwa Jack, 32, briefly appeared in the Khayelitsha Magistrate's Court on Friday, August 8, for their second appearance since their arrest.
During the proceedings, the court heard that the residential addresses the pair had submitted, where they intended to stay if granted bail, had been declined by the respective property owners.
As a result, Mr Jack and Ms Matyeseni will remain in custody until their next court appearance on Wednesday, August 20.
Khayelitsha District Spiritual Crime Prevention chairperson Pastor Sakhi Khula, Khwalezile Mselene of Merciful Hands Church, and Reverend Zamuxolo Mfihlo pray at the spot where Lolitha Kowa’s body was found.
Image: Siyavuya Khaya
The killing of Lolitha has sent shockwaves through the community, prompting widespread condemnation and activism.
On Wednesday, August 7, a local non-profit organisation, Ilitha Labantu, held a #Uthuleleni (Why Are You Silent?) campaign along the streets of Harare, in partnership with Harare police and various gender-based violence (GBV) advocacy groups.
Community members lit candles and held a moment of prayer at the site where Lolitha’s body was discovered, on Nombuzane Street.
Ilitha Labantu spokesperson Siyabulela Monakali said the campaign stood in solidarity with families affected by gender-based violence and femicide.
Residents and community stakeholders join Ilitha Labantu’s #Uthuleleni motorcade campaign during a walk through Harare to raise awareness and take a stand against gender-based violence.
Image: Siyavuya Khaya
“The sad reality is that, especially here in 2025, we are witnessing a disturbing trend where violence is being perpetrated by those entrusted with the care of our children. Mothers, fathers, uncles, caregivers, and guardians,” said Mr Monakali.
“This indicates a deep moral decay in our society. Enough is enough.”
He added that the Lolitha Kowa case highlighted the broader crisis of violence against children, urging society to come together to combat it.
“We cannot claim to be making any progress as a society while our children continue to face abuse and violence,” he said.
Lumkile Sizila, coordinator of the non-profit organisation Amandoda Aqotho, which advocates for men of integrity to take a stand against gender-based violence, also joined the walk.
“We are calling on all men to rise up and be counted in the fight against gender-based violence and other social ills in our communities,” he said.
“Men must lead with dignity and integrity, so the younger generation can grow up as responsible citizens.”
Mr Sizila made an emotional appeal for the justice system to deny bail to the accused, emphasising that no mercy should be shown in such heinous crimes.
He said Amandoda Aqotho, established in 2021, provides a platform for men to speak out, share their struggles, and actively contribute to ending gender-based violence.
Chairperson of the Khayelitsha District Spiritual Prevention Desk, pastor Sakhi Khula, also called for bail to be denied.