Lolitha Kowa’s Post-mortem Paints Horrific Details of Her Murder, SA Outraged by 7-Year-Old’s Death

• Nokuthula Matyesini and Odwa Jack were arrested in connection with the death of seven-year-old Lolitha Kowa
• The post-mortem revealed that the youngster was brutally murdered and raped, but she put up a fight against her attackers
• South Africans took to social media to voice outrage at the latest murder involving one of the country's children

Briefly News journalist Byron Pillay has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He spent 10 years working for the Northern Natal Courier before transitioning to online journalism.

WESTERN CAPE – Seven-year-old Lolitha Kowa put up a fight against her attackers before her tragic death, evidence has shown.

The Khayelitsha youngster’s body was found on Wednesday, 23 July 2025, a day after she was last seen alive. The seven-year-old was murdered and raped, with her neighbours, Nokuthula Matyesini and Odwa Jack, arrested in connection with her death.

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The youngster’s post-mortem revealed that there were defensive wounds under her nails, indicating that she attempted to fight off her attackers.

What happened to Kowa?

The seven-year-old was last seen alive on Tuesday, 22 July, when she returned from school. She then went to play with her friend, Matyesini’s daughter, next door. When her family went to look for her later that day at the neighbour’s home, no one answered the door.

A member of the public found her body the following day. She had wounds on her arms, forehead, and a screwdriver stuck in her head. She also had a sock in her mouth, the court heard.

Sniffer dogs were deployed to the scene, and soon, the little girl’s clothing was located. Jack’s car also had blood in it.

Duo appear in the Khayelitsha Magistrate's Court

Matyesini and Jack appeared in the Khayelitsha Magistrate's Court on Friday, 25 July 2025. They originally wanted to represent themselves, but later told the court that they had no legal knowledge and asked for a Legal Aid lawyer.

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The matter has been postponed to 1 August for bail information, and they will remain behind bars until then. Their daughter, with whom Lolitha went to play, is currently with social workers.

Angry community members also gathered outside of court for Matyesini and Jack’s appearance, demanding that they not get bail. The case is just one of the many making news around the country of youngsters being abused or killed by someone close to them.

On the same day the couple were appearing in court, Tiffany Meek was appearing in Roodepoort in connection with the murder of her son, Jayden-Lee Meek.

How did South Africans react?

Social media users were outraged by the news, as many questioned how people could be so cruel.

Bronwen Grieve said:

“Release these evil savages to the mob. We are tired of our children being raped and killed for no reason.”

Mulimisi Raswiswi stated:

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“Comparing these two to animals is insulting to animals.”

Dina Papaya added:

“I want the death penalty back. People don't fear the law; they fear consequences.”

Lebogang Koloko claimed:

“Khayelitsha township is useless, seriously. These two savages would never have gotten out of Soweto township for inflicting so much pain on a child.”

Carl Taylor exclaimed:

“Savage barbarians.”

Luxolo Mdivasi said:

“I understand that we as men can be cruel, but for this woman to be involved in such acts, come on now.”

Veona Otto added:

“Oh God, all these killings of children are just too much.”

Amber Lee Hughes confesses to murder

In another article, Amber Lee Hughes confessed to the murder of four-year-old Nada-Jane Challita.

Briefly News reported that the toddler was found dead in a bathtub in the home of the preschool teacher on 23 January 2023.

South Africans shared their thoughts on Hughes' admissions, with many calling for the death penalty to be brought back.

Source: Briefly News