Khayelitsha Couple Abandons Bail Bid in Lolitha Kowa Murder, SA Glad They’ll Remain Behind Bars
- Odwa Jack and Nokuthula Matyeseni appeared in the Khayelitsha Magistrate’s Court on 20 August 2025
- The couple are accused of the murder and sexual assault of seven-year-old Lolitha Kowa
- South Africans weighed in on the outcome of the latest appearance, welcoming the news
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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 - Odwa Jack and Nokuthula Matyeseni have abandoned their bail application in the Khayelitsha Magistrate’s Court.
The couple appeared in court on 20 August 2025, charged with the murder and sexual assault of seven-year-old Lolitha Kowa. They were arrested on 23 July 2025, a day after the little girl was last seen alive.
Her body was found dumped in a street near her last known location. She had wounds on her arms, forehead, and a screwdriver stuck in her head. She also had a sock in her mouth.
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Why was the bail bid abandoned?
The couple abandoned their bail bid in their latest appearance in court after alternative addresses could not be secured. Their Legal Aid lawyer told the packed courtroom that the families of the accused refused to take them in, should they be granted bail.
Jack and Matyeseni cannot return to their home in Khayelitsha either, as it was set alight by angry community members. They will now remain behind bars until their next appearance in October, but will not appear in court then, the magistrate noted.
"Your matter is now remanded to the 22nd of October for further investigation purposes. You both will remain in custody, and you will not be brought to court on your next appearance. You will appear via Audio Visual Remand (AVR) System," Magistrate Brendale Abrahams said.
The State is still awaiting the postmortem and DNA results taken from Kowa.
How are Jack and Matyeseni linked to the crime?
The couple was arrested after sniffer dogs led police to their property. Kowa had been playing with their daughter the day before their arrest, but they maintained their innocence following her disappearance.
When her body was found, sniffer dogs led police to their property, where blood was found in the home and in Jack’s taxi.
Source: Twitter
How did South Africans react?
Social media users welcomed the news, with some expressing relief that the couple would remain behind bars. Others focused on the fact that the woman was also arrested in connection with the little girl’s murder.
Nakedi Masemola said:
“Heartless woman.”
Shariefa Oosthuizen added:
“They know that the community will get them. And she’s also a mom. Pure evil 🤬.”
Heather Vleghert stated:
“Good, I hope they get sentenced appropriately.”
Gert Meyer said:
“They must stay in jail.”
Taxi association to screen drivers going forward
Briefly News reported that Jack's arrest prompted a taxi association to change the way they hire drivers in future.
The Cape Organisation for the Democratic Taxi Association (CODETA) will now screen drivers before employing them.
Jack, a taxi driver, had a criminal record that the taxi association was unaware of before he was hired.
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Source: Briefly News
