“despite the growing number of reported cases, there has not been enough public acknowledgement or action from law enforcement.”
Concern has been raised over the growing number of missing-person cases in Kokstad, with DAWN (Democratic Alliance Women’s Network) Harry Gwala District Chairperson Jo-Ann Jansen calling for greater attention to investigations and follow-ups by the South African Police Service (SAPS).
Jansen, who is also a Women’s Parliament member and a gender-based violence and women’s rights activist, said she was dissatisfied with what she described as inadequate investigations into cases involving people reported missing, as well as cases where missing people are later found dead. Her concerns come amid reports of several missing-person cases in the Kokstad area. According to information provided by Jansen, at least four people have reportedly been found dead, while two others remain missing. She called for the relevant authorities to ensure that missing-person cases receive proper attention and follow-up.
One of the people still missing is 32-year-old Noxolo Nokokobo, who was last seen in Kwamazithanga, Kokstad, during the early morning of 16 August 2026. Her family is appealing to members of the public to come forward with any information that could help locate her. Another missing woman is Khutala Mdani, from eBhongweni location in Kokstad, who has reportedly been missing since 28 July 2026. She was last seen wearing a black skirt, black doek, black jacket and brown shoes.
Jansen said communities should not remain silent when people go missing and urged anyone with information about the whereabouts of the two women to report it to the relevant authorities or their families. She also stressed the importance of ensuring that cases involving missing persons are properly followed up, particularly where families continue to wait for answers.
Jansen also raised concerns about the effectiveness of witness protection, saying that people who come forward to provide information about abuse and other crimes do not always feel adequately protected by the police. She further questioned the handling of crime scenes, particularly the collection of forensic evidence. According to Jansen, there are cases where investigators appear to focus on photographing the crime scene without sufficiently searching for evidence such as DNA that could potentially link perpetrators to the crime.
She expressed concern that, despite the growing number of reported cases, there has not been enough public acknowledgement or action from law enforcement to address the situation. Jansen also highlighted the lack of a victim-friendly environment at the Kokstad Police Station, saying survivors of abuse need a safe and supportive space where they can report their experiences without feeling further traumatised.
Another major concern she raised was the shortage of safe shelters for victims after they report abuse. She said survivors can find themselves with no option but to return to the same environment where the abuse occurred. “You report, then go back home to the same abuser due to the lack of a protected shelter,” she said.
