Siphelele Nketo
THOUGH police have not officially confirmed a serial killer in Kokstad, members of the public believe there may be a possible murderer targeting women and children.
This followed a sequence of people who were reported missing and later found dead in the small area of Kokstad. In this year alone, incidents of this nature have caused panic and raised concerns among members of the public asking if there is a serial killer on the loose. The Post reported a horrific incident of a woman’s body found on February 11. The deceased was found floating in the Bhurhulu River next to Kokstad Primary School after she was reported missing. The body had an open wound on the right side of the neck and some body parts were missing.
Also in February, Lathitha Mtolo (7) was reported missing from the Marikana informal settlement on February 26. Apparently a human skull discovered in March was confirmed as that of Lathitha. According to the police report, DNA results received on June 25 matched the victim’s mother, Nandipha. But Nandipha doubted the results and called for the repeat of the DNA testing, which has not yet been done. A suspect (33) who was arrested in connection with Lathitha’s missing case was freed after a court did not enrol the kidnapping docket. Last weekend, KZN police announced a R50 000 reward for information that may assist in locating Lathitha.
On July 12, Ndalo Jona (7) was reported missing in the Marikana informal settlement. Meanwhile his body was found on July 30 along the road next to Mount Currie Secondary School with a deep cut on the neck.
Another woman, Okuhle Wattson Nkosiyaphantsi (27) was last seen on August 24 in Shayamoya, however her body was found on August 30 next to the Mzintlava River with several stab wounds on the chest, and her body was cut open from the neck straight down to the stomach.
Banele Mshubi (3) was reported missing in January and KZN SAPS announced a R50 000 reward for anyone who can assist in discovering his remains.
A call for the reinforcement of a community policing forum was made last Sunday, September 13, at the bridge area between Bhongweni and Kokstad town during a community meeting. The meeting was organised to address these gruesome incidents that continue to haunt the local community of Kokstad. Concerned residents further called for men to play an active role in restoring safety and discipline, while parents were reminded to take care of their children.
The meeting proposed a shutdown, the closure of illegal liquor outlets at 10pm, and immediate intervention on drugs as well as the verification of traditional healers operating in the Kokstad area.
