Siphelele Nketo
FOUR months after the disappearance of Lathitha Mtolo (7) and her family remains in limbo about her whereabouts.
The Grade 2 learner of Xolo Xolo Primary School in Kokstad was reported missing on February 26 in the informal settlement of Marikana.
Her family lost contact with her at around 2pm when she left home to play with her friends in the area. She disappeared without a trace, causing confusion in the family. Now, they want to know why she hasn’t been found.
“Since the child disappeared, the family has not slept peacefully. The worst part is the numerous calls from anonymous people who claim to know where Lathitha is,” said Lathitha’s grandmother Nomonde Mtolo who could not contain her tears this week. She said that the calls were sometimes threatening, causing more pain to the family.
The family was concerned about a disturbing post on social media (Facebook), stating that they knew who took Lathitha. But when reported to the police, the family said that the police officer handling the missing case was on leave.
Mtolo criticised the police for not appropriately communicating with the family about progress in the investigations.
She appealed to the police to follow up all possible leads that could help to find Lathitha. Police spokesperson Mosa Hlaki confirmed ongoing investigations, saying that the case docket of a missing child will remain open until further developments.
On Tuesday, June 23, the family received a donation of a microwave, blankets, groceries, cookware sets and a mini-stove from the Greater Kokstad Municipality Women’s Caucus Commission led by chairperson Zodidi Tshazi.
Tshazi described the visit to Lathitha’s family as a way of offering support and to show sympathy in the midst of the tragedy.
“The pain the family has been going through in the past few months is beyond measure. Our visit was to strengthen the family and give them love,” she said.
Meanwhile, the release of a man (33) arrested in connection with the disappearance of Lathitha in March angered the community. The case was apparently not enrolled in the Kokstad court due to insufficient evidence.
