SIPHELELE NKETO

IT has been the hardest two weeks for the community of Kokstad as they have been desperately looking for the missing Grade 2 pupil of Xolo Xolo Primary School, Lathitha Mtolo (7).

Lathitha left home to play with some children in the informal settlement of Marikana on February 26, however, she did not return home. The concerned community of Kokstad has voluntarily joined police search teams to look around dams, bushy areas and vacant structures, while seeking any form of help that could lead to finding Lathitha.

On Tuesday, March 10, a Maluti K9 tracker dog by the name of Alexia was brought into the search in Franklin and around Kokstad, accompanied by Sergeant Mawande Dyan who has been working with the dog for seven years.

Dyan said that Alexia can sense something from kilometres away and signals with its tail, while leading him straight to the spot when something is found.

He further said that Alexia has uncovered lots of hidden items during investigations.

Kokstad resident and DA Councillor Karen Norsworthy, has called for the entire community to continue looking around their areas. 

“We will never give up until the child is found,” she said. Lathitha’s father, Siphelo Gibixhego, also joined the search and said that the disappearance of his child has caused pain and sleepless nights.

Police spokesperson Mosa Hlaki said a task team has been formulated in connection with the missing child and further said that police are using every resource to find her. 

Meanwhile, a person of interest (33), in connection with the missing child, was apprehended by the police and detained for questioning last week. It was reported that his case was not enrolled in the Kokstad Magistrate’s Court on March 3 due to insufficient evidence, and the man was released.

His release angered the community and as a result, close to three houses were burnt down. A prayer service is being organised by the Kokstad community to seek divine intervention for Lathitha Mtolo on Sunday, March 15 at Xolo Xolo Mountain.