Siphelelele Nketo
THE discovery of a decomposed body in Shayamoya has sparked concerns in Kokstad amid the ongoing search for missing Noxolo Nokokobo (32). The decomposed body was found underneath an old vehicle at a house under construction in the Matsheni area of Shayamoya, Kokstad, on September 24. The site is in the same street where Nokokobo lived with her family. Nokokobo was last seen on August 16 at a local tavern.
Her sister, Sindiswa, who viewed the body at the government mortuary, said she doubts it was her sister.
“I went to view the body in the mortuary. Though the body was decomposed, I doubt that it was Noxolo,” she said. The discovery has angered community members, who allegedly took matters into their own hands. Over the weekend, residents allegedly apprehended a man they suspected of having information about Nokokobo’s disappearance. The man was rescued by police and rushed to a local hospital for reportedly being assaulted. Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Paul Magwaza confirmed that an inquest has been opened following the discovery of the body and said circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation.
Magwaza said the man apprehended by residents remains in hospital under medical care.
Police have urged community members not to take the law into their own hands and to allow investigations to continue. “We appeal to anyone with information regarding Nokokobo’s whereabouts to contact Kokstad police on 039 797 1123 or Crime Stop on 08600 10111,” said Magwaza.
Although Nokokobo’s family remains hopeful for her safe return, they are still waiting for forensic DNA confirmation for the discovered body. Meanwhile the recent discovery of the body brings the number of the bodies found in Kokstad to four since July. The body of Ndalo Jona (7) was discovered next to a local school on July 30, Okuhle Watson Nkosiyaphantsi (27) was found in the Mzintlava River on August 30, and the body of Nomthandazo Magawana (40) was found in her house in the Horseshoe Township on September 2.
This has brought trauma to families of the victims and also raised fear in the community of Kokstad. On Friday, October 2, a community group called Voice of Kokstad will be marching to the Kokstad Magistrate’s Court and Kokstad SAPS to demand thorough investigations into all the cases of murder in Kokstad. The group will conduct a candlelight ceremony to remember all the victims of gender-based violence in the community.
