Members of the Kokstad community feel unsafe following a number of recent abductions, disappearances and murders of local women and children.
Reports have indicated a spate of disappearances of young children from the Kokstad area, especially from Marikana, since the end of last year, however police have only confirmed cases being opened for three missing children, including Lathitha Mtolo (7), Ndalo Jona (7) and Banele Mshubi (3).
Lathitha Mtolo (7) has been missing since February. According to police Lathitha was last seen by her friends in the Marikana area, Kokstad, on 26 February 2026 and that her whereabouts have remained unknown ever since. Police are now offering a R50 000 reward for information that may assist in locating Lathitha Mtolo.
“Police arrested and charged a 33-year-old man who was allegedly apprehended and assaulted by community members, and reportedly confessed under duress that he kidnapped Lathitha and handed her to a certain man who took her to an unknow location. The court did not enrol the kidnapping docket due to insufficient evidence. Police are appealing to anyone who may have information regarding the whereabouts of Lathitha or circumstances surrounding her disappearance to contact the investigating officer, Detective Constable Jaca on 0717697670 or Crime Stop on 0860010111,” said police spokesperson, Colonel Robert Netshiunda.
The statement has however caused some confusion as at the end of March 2026, a small skull was found in the bushes near Shayamoya. The skull was sent for forensic testing and at the end of June, police stated that it had been identified as belonging to the missing Lathitha Mtolo, using DNA from her mother. The family reportedly reputed the findings and said they wanted to pursue private testing.
Police have said that the reward is for information to assist with the continuing investigation into the case and did not elaborate on the DNA findings.
Ndalo Jona (7) went missing from his Marikana home on the evening of 12 July 2026. He allegedly left home in search of a missing soccer ball and never returned. His body was later discovered on 30 July in a bushy area near Mt Currie School with a deep cut on his neck.
Little 3-year-old Banele Mshubi allegedly went missing in December, also from Marikana however was only reported as missing on 4 January. Police have also put forward a reward of R50 000 to anyone who has information about what happened and the possible location of his remains.
“Police investigations led to the arrest of the child’s 27-year-old mother for failing to report her child missing. The mother told the police that her 43-year-old boyfriend assaulted the child over a missing USB, and she claimed that the stepfather assaulted the child to death but was not sure of where he buried the body. The stepfather was also arrested and was charged for murder. They both appeared in the Kokstad Magistrate’s Court where the mother was released on bail, while the stepfather was remanded in custody for further investigation. The stepfather is also linked to another case of murder in Harding. The body of Banele has not been found, and police are offering the R50 000 reward to any person who can provide credible information which may lead to the recovery of Banele’s remains,” said police spokesperson, Colonel Robert Netshiunda.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the investigating officer Detective Constable Vincent on 082 334 8610 or Crime Stop on 08600 10111. According to local police, the cases of Lathitha Mtolo and Banele Mshubi have been taken over by provincial units for further investigation.
The discovery of two women murdered in separate incidents last week has further increased the unease of the community.
According to local police spokesperson, Sergeant Mosa Hlaki, the body of a young female was found on 30 August by a member of the public next to the Mzintlava River near Railway Street.
“She had several stab wounds on the chest, her body was cut open from the neck down to the stomach, intestines exposed and her private parts were also cut open. A case of Murder was opened at Kokstad SAPS but no suspect arrested at this stage. The police request anyone with information to contact Lt Colonel Mzelemu from Kokstad Detectives or report to police station on 039-7971123/30,” said Hlaki.
The victim was later identified as 27-year-old Okuhle Wattson Nkosiyaphantsi who was last seen in Shayamoya about two weeks before the discovery of her body. She was laid to rest on Saturday, 12 September 2026 in a ceremony at Brooksnek.
Then on 2 September 2026, the body of a 40-year-old woman was found in a home at Chocolate City, Horseshoe. According to local police spokesperson, Sergeant Mosa Hlaki, the woman had a stab wound on the head and leg, and her body was heavily bruised.
“The deceased was lying on the bed inside her room. According to the information provided by the witness she saw broken bottles and blood inside the yard and informed the deceased’s son who went to check on his mother and they reported the matter. It is alleged that the deceased was residing with her boyfriend who was missing at the time,” said Hlaki.
The boyfriend of the deceased has since been arrested in connection to the murder and has had his first court appearance. He remains in custody.
There are also a number of women who have been reported missing including 32-year-old Noxolo Nokokobo who was last seen on 16 August 2026 in the area of Kwamazithanqase and 24-year-old Mbalentle Rose Ngalavu weho was last seen on 11 September 2026 leaving a school in Franklin.
Communities have started rallying, calling on increased policing, intervention from provincial authorities, vigilance from communities, stricter surveillance of younger children and a more pro-active approach from parents and the larger community. Schools have also started creating awareness, encouraging children to walk in groups, avoiding strangers and reporting suspicious activities to trusted adults or the authorities.
A meeting took place on Sunday near the Bhongweni bridge where a large group of community members discussed their concerns and worked on resolutions. Many community members fear a pattern is emerging however at this stage there is no clear evidence that any of the cases are related and police have denied allegations of a possible serial killer operating in the area.
The Greater Kokstad Municipality has also warned against the spread of false or inaccurate information when addressing a recent statement allegedly made by on organiser of the March and March movement.
“It is with great sadness, shock and dismay to learn that the leader of March and March stated that she received reports that members of her movement are being killed in Kokstad. This is a total and gross distortion of facts. Together with the community of Kokstad, we are hard at work in our effort to fight against the reported murders, drug abuse, theft and killing of children. Irresponsible reports such as these tend to distract all efforts to root out these social ills in our area. To report criminal activity please contact SAPS Kokstad at 0397971132,” said the municipality in a statement.

1. Lathitha Mtolo (7) has been missing since February.
2. The body of Ndalo Jona (7) was found with a deep cut to the neck.
3. The mutilated body of Okuhle Wattson Nkosiyaphantsi (27) was discovered last week near the river.
4. 32-year-old Noxolo Nokokobo was last seen on 16 August 2026 in the area of Kwamazithanqase.
5. 24-year-old Mbalentle Rose Ngalavu weho was last seen on 11 September 2026 leaving a school in Franklin.