The family of seven-year-old Lathitha Mtolo says the confirmation that human remains found during a search are those of the missing child has brought heartbreaking closure after months of uncertainty.
Lathitha disappeared from the Marikana informal settlement in Kokstad in February, sparking an extensive search by police and the community.
KwaZulu-Natal police have since confirmed that DNA testing identified the remains as those of the young girl. However, the circumstances surrounding her death remain under investigation.
Lathitha's father, Immanuel Gibixego, said the loss has been devastating for the family, adding that they have requested an independent DNA test for their own peace of mind.
"We have no choice but to accept what has happened because there is nothing more we can do," he said.
"We asked the police to allow us to conduct an independent DNA test for our own peace of mind. When those results also confirm the findings, we will have to accept the reality, but it has been incredibly difficult."
While mourning his daughter's death, Gibixego has called on investigators to continue pursuing the case and ensure those responsible are brought to justice.
"We want answers about the discovery of the skull. Who found it in the forest? How was it found and what was that person doing in the area?" he said.
"We were told on the Sunday that the skull had been discovered, but we only received the news that evening even though it had reportedly been found earlier that day. These are some of the questions we believe still need to be answered."
Police have not disclosed any further details regarding the investigation, which remains ongoing as detectives work to establish the circumstances surrounding Lathitha's death.