Andile Moshoeshoe

THE escalating incidents of missing children in the informal settlement of Marikana in Kokstad have sparked calls from the community for immediate and systematic response strategies.

The community has warned that the problem has hit unprecedented levels with residents demanding intervention from the police. Three young children, Lathitha Mtolo (7), Ndalo Jona (7) and Banele Mshubi (3) were the latest victims to go missing in the informal settlement of Marikana.

Ndalo was found deceased and was buried last weekend in Gogela. Lathitha’s remains were confirmed by the police, but her family doubted the official DNA results. Banele is still missing.

These incidents have raised concerns not only in Marikana but the entire community of Kokstad. 

A local man (30), suspected to be involved in the cases of missing children, was apprehended by the local community in Horseshoe last Sunday. Eventually, the man was handed over to the police with severe injuries. Police spokesperson Sergeant Mosa Hlaki confirmed that the man was brought to the police with injuries, and a skeleton docket for assault was opened.

Greater Kokstad Municipality mayor Lwanda Madikizela has appealed for calm and urged residents not to take the law into their own hands. He warned that violence could derail the investigation. 

“When the man was with the community, I urged the community not to assault him because his death would destroy crucial evidence,” Madikizela stated. A meeting between community representatives, religious leaders, police and political leaders was recently convened in Kokstad to discuss approach measures over missing children incidents. At the meeting, KZN ANC provincial executive member Bheki Mtolo warned that those behind the alleged abductions might not be strangers operating from outside the community.

He said circumstances surrounding the disappearances of children raised questions about whether the perpetrators could have knowledge of, or access to the affected families.