Lolitha Kowa murder: Alleged killers rejected by community after released on bail
Odwa Jack and Nokuthula Matyeseni were back in the Khayelitsha Magistrates Court on Friday, to get an update from the State regarding the couple’s alternative address.
The alleged killers of 7-year-old Lolitha Kowa from Kuyasa in Khayelitsha appeared at the Khayelitsha Magistrates Court on 25 July 2025. Odwa Jack and Nokuthula Matyeseni are charged with the rape and murder of the little girl. Picture: Ntuthuzelo Nene/EWN
CAPE TOWN - The alleged killers of seven-year-old Lolitha Kowa have been rejected by the people who they thought would welcome them should they be released on bail.
Odwa Jack and Nokuthula Matyeseni were back in the Khayelitsha Magistrates Court on Friday, to get an update from the State regarding the couple’s alternative address.
They’re linked to Kowa’s murder after bloodstains believed to be that of the little girl were found inside their home in Kuyasa, in Khayelitsha, more than two weeks ago.
The court has heard that the owner of the address provided by Jack and Matyeseni as their alternative address for bail purposes doesn’t want the pair anywhere near her home.
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It was also revealed that a crucial State witness, who is a minor, also resides at the unnamed address.
Lolitha’s uncle, Luck Sikade, said as the family, they're relieved to know that other people are standing with them.
"I know that we cannot undo what has happened, and also the fact that they cannot bring her back to life. However, justice must be served for an innocent life."
KIDNAPPING CHARGE ADDED
A kidnapping charge has been added to the rape and murder charge faced by the alleged killers of Kowa.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said the accused face kidnapping, rape and murder charges.
NPA spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila said they have overwhelming evidence, directly linking Jack and Matyeseni to the crime.
"It doesn't point to anyone else or anything happening outside the two of them. That's the reason we believe they have a case to answer, and they will be given that opportunity starting with the bail application."
The prosecution in the murder case of Kowa said it will oppose bail when her alleged killers return to court to formally apply for bail.
"We will oppose the bail application as we believe that the crime they've committed is a very gruesome crime, it's regrettable that it happened against a child and that the child had to go through that process, as well as the parents and the broader community as we have seen with the protest outside court that people are opposed them being released on bail," said Ntazabalila.
The case has been postponed to 20 August 2025 for bail application.