Kokstad – The investigation into the disappearance of nine-year-old Lathitha Mtolo from Marikana Location in Kokstad has been handed over to a team of investigators from outside the town.
According to Karen Norsworthy, a coordinator of the search effort, the decision was made by the Kokstad police station commander following allegations that some local police officers may be working with suspects, making arrests difficult.
Norsworthy made the remarks during an interview with The Informer on Sunday.
Lathitha was reported missing two and a half weeks ago after she was last seen walking home from school. Sunday marks day 15 since her disappearance, and despite extensive search efforts, there have been no positive results so far.
Community members and police have been working together in an ongoing search operation throughout Kokstad. Norsworthy praised residents for their strong support during the difficult time.
“The community has been very supportive in searching for the child. Everybody — Black, White and Coloured — has united behind finding Lathitha,” she said.
She added that local businesses have also stepped in to help by providing water and refreshments to volunteers participating in the search.
“We have searched every corner of the town but in vain. We are not giving up. We are determined to find the child — even if it’s a bone — but we must find her,” Norsworthy said.
She also acknowledged the efforts of the police, particularly Kokstad station commander Colonel Ruiters. According to Norsworthy, the colonel has given the investigating team two weeks to find the missing child. If they fail, the case will be handed over to the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, commonly known as the Hawks.
Norsworthy said the working relationship between the search team and police remains positive.
“Our working relations with police in the matter are very good. They are doing everything they can to find the child,” she said.
However, she also raised concerns about some members of the community who have resorted to violence during protests related to the case.
“There are a few members of the community who are defocusing the police from searching for the child. They are being violent and destroying infrastructure and people’s homes. We urge them to give police a chance to do their work,” Norsworthy said.
The search for Lathitha continues as the community and authorities remain hopeful that she will be found.
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