Khayelitsha accused child murderers abandon bail application
Image: Mandilakhe Tshwete
THE Khayelitsha couple accused of raping and killing seven-year-old Lolitha Kowa abandoned their bail application.
Odwa Jack and Nokuthula Matyeseni 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.
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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.
The matter was postponed to October 22 for further bail application proceedings.
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 now belong in jail where criminals are. We are happy to see that their families are on the side of our community. Even their families can't accept that they will reside with them. We hope that justice will continue to prevail for Lolitha.'
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