Khayelitsha couple back in court as DNA results expected in Lolitha Kowa case

Crucial DNA results are expected to be revealed on Wednesday as the Khayelitsha couple, who were neighbours of seven-year-old Lolitha Kowa, return to the Khayelitsha Magistrate’s Court accused of her rape and murder.

Odwa Jack and Nokuthula Matyeseni were arrested on July 23 after Kuyasa residents discovered Lolitha’s body about 1.5 kilometres from her home.

She had gone missing the previous afternoon after she went to play with Matyeseni’s daughter.

During their last court appearance on August 20, the couple abandoned their bail application after their lawyer informed the court that the people at the address they provided to the State refused to accommodate them during the trial.

At the time, State prosecutors told the court that DNA results were still outstanding from samples taken from inside the child’s body. However, DNA evidence found under her fingernails had already been received.

The case sparked outrage in the Kuyasa community, with residents demanding that the pair remain behind bars.

Lolitha’s uncle, Mthetheli Kowa, said after the couple abandoned their bail bid in August: “We feel much better that they abandoned bail, that is exactly what we wanted. They must rot in jail. We thank the relatives who rejected them because it would have been a problem.”

Ward 99 Councillor Lonwabo Mqina previously said that the community was united in its rejection of the accused.

“They don’t belong in our ward; they now belong in jail, where criminals are. Even their families can’t accept that they will reside with them. We hope justice will continue to prevail for Lolitha,” Mqina said.

The matter is expected to move forward today with updates on the outstanding DNA results and further pretrial arrangements.

Cape Times