Lolitha accused case postponed

The Khayelitsha couple accused of raping and killing seven-year-old Lolitha Kowa briefly appeared in the Khayelitsha Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, where their case was postponed to December pending outstanding forensic reports.

Odwa Jack and Nokuthula Matyeseni were arrested on 23 July, hours after Kuyasa residents discovered Lolitha’s body about 1.5 kilometres from her home.

The young girl had gone missing the previous afternoon after she went to play with Matyeseni’s daughter.

Her lifeless body was found with a screwdriver in her head. Further forensic investigations confirmed she had been raped and had tried to fight off her killers.

The pair faces charges of kidnapping, rape, and murder.

The additional kidnapping charge was added earlier in the investigation as the State built its case.

National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila said the matter was postponed for further investigation.

He added: “The case against Jack and Matyeseni, who are charged with rape and murder, has been postponed to December 10, 2025, for further investigation.

“There are reports that are still outstanding - toxicology, histology, and fingerprint reports. A forensic social worker’s report is also outstanding. We are working to ensure that they are available before the next court appearance.”

During their previous appearance on 20 August, the couple abandoned their bail application after their lawyer informed the court that the individuals at the address provided to the State had declined to accommodate them for the duration of the trial.