Community members rejoiced as the couple accused of raping and killing seven-year-old Lolitha Kowa abandoned their bail application.

Odwa Jack and Nokuthula Matyeseni had been trying to apply for bail since their arrest on July 23.

They were taken into custody after Kuyasa residents made the grim discovery of Lolitha’s body about 1.5 kilometres from her home.

The young girl had returned from school on July 22 and went to play with Matyeseni’s daughter. The couple allegedly refused to open the door when her mother went to the accused’s house in search of her.

On Wednesday, the couple’s lawyer informed the Khayelitsha Magistrate’s Court that they would abandon their bail application.

He explained that the people at the new address provided to the State had refused to house them for the duration of the trial.

The matter was postponed to October 22 for further bail application proceedings.

The State prosecutor told the court that DNA results were still outstanding from a sample found inside the girl’s body, although results from DNA evidence under her fingernails had already been received.

Outside court, residents and family members celebrated the decision, saying they were relieved the couple would not be returning to the community.

Lolitha’s uncle, Mthetheli Kowa, said: “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 echoed the community’s relief, saying the pair did not belong in society.

“They don’t belong in our ward, they now belong in jail where criminals are. We are happy to see that their families are on the side of our community. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see that these people have committed this crime. Even their families can’t accept that they will reside with them. We hope that justice will continue to prevail for Lolitha.”

Neighbour Mickey Linda recalled knowing Matyeseni since childhood.

“I met Nokuthula in 2000 when her mother was still alive. I never thought she would do something like this. I know she is on drugs. We don’t need Nokuthula in our community. I don’t know Odwa. The community is still shaken. Our children now prefer being indoors after that incident. We fear letting them go outside.

“We would like to appeal to the government to build a facility that will serve as aftercare for children, ensuring their safety after school.”

mandilakhe.tshwete@inl.co.za 

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