A young girl from Kokstad, Lathitha Mtolo, is still missing. It is hard to understand how a young life can simply disappear without a trace in a town like ours.

Law enforcement must now intensify the search and use every available resource to find her. This situation calls for urgency, coordination and maximum effort. A child’s future is at stake.

To anyone who may know something, or who may be involved in her disappearance: please do the right thing. Lathitha belongs in school to work towards her dreams of becoming an engineer, a mathematician, a scientist, or an economist.

She has her whole future ahead of her. If you have her, please release her safely, even if you leave her somewhere public. The residents of Kokstad will ensure she receives immediate medical attention and care.

Many of us refuse to believe that the worst has happened. Kokstad is too small, too close-knit for us not to find a missing girl. The community is deeply concerned and growing increasingly distressed. People are hurting and emotions are rising.

We are law-abiding citizens who believe in justice and in doing things the right way. But we are also united in one message: #BringLathithaHome.

-Zizipho Zizman Nogwaza