The latest case involves seven-year-old Ndalo Jona (also referred to as Jona Ndalo). He went missing on the evening of Sunday, 12 July 2026, from the Marikana informal settlement after leaving home briefly to look for his soccer ball. His shoes were found in the yard; a cellphone he had been using also disappeared with him. His father was hospitalised due to the distress. Community members and family noted the proximity to the earlier disappearance of another child from the same area and raised concerns about a possible pattern of targeting children. DA councillor Bradwyn (or Brawyn) Marnce publicly urged SAPS, K9 units, and local security structures to treat the case with maximum urgency, emphasising the critical first 24–48 hours.
Ndalo’s body was discovered near Mount Currie High School around 30 July 2026 and positively identified shortly thereafter. Police confirmed the identification and stated that the investigation into the circumstances of his death continues, with an appeal for public information. As of early August 2026 reporting, no arrests in connection with his murder had been publicly announced.
This follows the earlier disappearance of Lathitha Mtolo, also aged seven and from the same Marikana area, who went missing on 26 February 2026 while playing with friends after school (or walking home). Her case triggered widespread community searches, protests, and vigilante actions, including the burning of multiple houses linked to unverified suspicions. A 33- or 34-year-old man was arrested after community members apprehended and allegedly assaulted him; he reportedly confessed under duress (including claims involving trafficking or traditional healers) but was later released by the Kokstad Magistrate’s Court due to insufficient evidence and concerns over the confession. Police at times suggested possible human trafficking links.
Remains and clothing later linked to Lathitha (including items identified by her mother Nandipha) were found; DNA confirmation led to the case being reclassified from missing person to murder. Her family has repeatedly pleaded for answers, questioned aspects of the investigation (including forensic delays and prior searches of areas where remains were later found), and expressed ongoing distress and safety concerns. Provincial leadership, including KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli, visited the family and received briefings.
Local authorities, including Greater Kokstad Municipality Mayor Lwanda (or Marcus) Madikizela and SAPS leadership, repeatedly appealed for calm, warned that vigilante violence and property destruction undermine investigations and evidence gathering, and stated that resources were being deployed. Community frustration has been compounded by the lack of arrests or clear resolutions in these cases, leading to the councillor’s reported assessment that the failure to arrest those responsible for the series of child murders has shattered trust in police and government.
These incidents occur against a backdrop of broader challenges in the area, including informal settlement living conditions, prior community unrest, and periodic political or governance issues at municipal level. Police continue to appeal for information in both matters. Anyone with relevant details is urged to contact Kokstad SAPS or Crime Stop lines through official channels.
