CODETA Introduces Background Checks After Driver Is Accused of Murdering Lolitha Kowa, SA Sceptical

• The Cape Organisation for the Democratic Taxi Association (CODETA) will screen drivers before employing them
• The decision was made after Odwa Jack, a member of the association, was found to have a prior criminal record
• South Africans questioned the decision by the association, with some asking why it wasn't done before

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 – Taxi drivers now wishing to join the Cape Organisation for the Democratic Taxi Association (CODETA) will have to undergo background checks.

The taxi association made the decision following the death of Grade 1 pupil, Lolitha Kowa. Kowa’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.

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Odwa Jack, a driver belonging to the taxi association, was arrested along with his partner, Nokuthula Matyesini, for the crime.

What has the association decided?

The association has now implemented the new system, ensuring that all drivers are properly vetted before they’re employed. During court proceedings, it was found that Jack had a prior conviction for car theft.

Nceba Enge, CODETA Chairperson, said that they wanted a system where they would look at the record of the driver because they were not aware of Jack’s previous conviction.

The association has offered its support to the family following the murder, donating R15,000 and a minibus taxi to them. It also condemned the involvement of Jack, one of the drivers operating under the CODETA umbrella.

“As CODETA, we are deeply sorry for what happened. The person accused of this crime is our driver, and for that, we take responsibility for expressing our regret,” Enge said.

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How are Jack and Matyesini linked to the crime?

Khowa was last seen alive on 22 July 2025 when she told her parents that she was going to play with a friend. Her friend is the daughter of Jack and Matyesini. When she did not return home, her parents went to look for her at the couple’s home, but no one answered the door. A missing person’s case was opened, and community members helped search for her.

The seven-year-old’s body was found the following morning in another street. She had been murdered, and a screwdriver was still lodged in her head. Sniffer dogs were brought in and led police to the couple’s home. Blood was found inside and outside of the home, as well as in Jack’s taxi. The couple were then taken in for questioning and later arrested.

How did South Africans react?

Social media users had little faith in CODETA’s statement, noting that taxi drivers often had a reputation for only worrying about themselves.

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Terence Spochter asked:

“But isn't a criminal history part of their employment criteria?”

Luyanda Mdingi stated:

“That's a big fat lie. Taxi owners don't care about anyone's safety but their own.”

Zukisani Dlirhatshu Mthakathi claimed:

“As far as I know, the majority of them are izinkabi.”

Mthobeli Ntobeko said:

“The whole industry has become a group of inkabi and extortionists.”

Reign Reign stated:

“It’s sickening that they never did it before.”

Darrol Kriel added:

“31 years too late. Vet the owners as well.”

Collen Mdlongwa stated:

“We are always reacting, never proactive. Vetting of drivers, like any other workers, should be mandatory.”

Ali Ali White asked:

“Do they really care, these people? Or is their interest in taking the money from you while in a taxi? What happens afterwards is none of their business.”

Couple's home set alight in Khayelitsha

Briefly News reported that Matyesini and Jack's home was set alight by angry community members.

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The couple was arrested in connection with the murder of seven-year-old Lolitha Kowa in July 2025.

Lolitha's father also explained that one of the accused was a friend of the family who helped with the search.

Source: Briefly News