Community motorcade in Khayelitsha demands justice for Lolitha Kowa

Anti-gender-based violence organisations and community members held a solemn motorcade through Khayelitsha in honour of seven-year-old Lolitha Kowa, whose rape and murder have sparked renewed outrage.

Lolitha went missing on July 22. Her lifeless body was discovered the following morning, 1.5 kilometres from her home in Kuyasa, Khayelitsha. She had been raped and murdered with a screwdriver.

Neighbours Odwa Jack and his partner Nokuthula Matyeseni have been arrested in connection with the crime.

They are expected to return to the Khayelitsha Magistrate’s Court on Friday as the bail process continues.

The memorial motorcade was organised by the anti-GBV organisation Ilitha Labantu, in partnership with Harare police and other violence prevention stakeholders.

The group lit candles and held prayers where Lolitha’s body was found in Nambuzane Street.

Ilitha Labantu spokesperson Siyabulela Monakali said the event formed part of their *#Uthuleleni* campaign, which aims to confront the scourge of gender-based violence and femicide.

“The sad reality, particularly here in 2025, is the growing trend of violence perpetrated against children by those entrusted with their care, mothers, fathers, caregivers,” said Monakali.

“This is an indication of the moral degeneration in our society. As an organisation that has advocated for the rights of women and children for over 36 years, we are saying: enough is enough. The Lolitha Kowa case is part of a broader pattern of violence against children in our communities. We cannot claim to be making any progress until children are free from all forms of violence and abuse.”

Amadoda Aqotho founder Lumkile Sizila said men must take accountability and lead in the fight against abuse.

“We handed out pamphlets to raise awareness about where people can find help. We also went to the site where Lolitha’s body was found to pray, and to call for the suspects to be denied bail,” he said.

“What they did was ruthless. The fact that she was murdered with a screwdriver shows this was a deliberate act. Khayelitsha is being seen nationally as a place where women and children are murdered — this must stop.”

Bishop Zamuxolo Mfihlo, who also joined the prayer service, condemned those who called for sympathy for the accused.

“We must stop praying for those who rape and kill children,” he said.

“What kind of mother allows a child to be raped and murdered in this way? The men in jail must see what they do with Odwa, and women must do the same with Nokuthula; that is our prayer.

“We don’t want them to come out. They might do the same thing to someone else’s child. This is the third such case in recent months. We want the investigating officer to ensure a thorough investigation, and for the accused to spend the rest of their lives in jail.”

The motorcade ended where Lolitha’s body was found on July 23 in Nambuzane Street, with participants lighting candles and holding a prayer service before dispersing.

mandilakhe.tshwete@inl.co.za