Latest news with #Kutlwano
TimesLIVE
05-06-2025
- TimesLIVE
Sangoma implicated in toddler's murder makes U-turn on bail
The sangoma who was arrested in connection with the premeditated murder of two-year-old Kutlwano Shalaba has made an about-turn and wants to apply for bail. Sebokoana Khoanyana, 50, made a brief appearance on Thursday and his matter was postponed to June 25 for a formal bail application. Khoanyana appeared alongside Kutlwano's mother, Keneiwe Shalaba, 33, who is accused of lying about her son's disappearance in November 2024. Shalaba is also facing charges of premeditated murder. Khoanyana had initially requested that an attorney be made available so that he could plead guilty but was advised by the court that it was not the right time to plead. His lawyer, Gladmore Nyamande, said his client had a previous conviction of assault in 2019, which he believes was withdrawn. He was also convicted of possession of dagga but got a suspended sentence. Speaking to reporters shortly after the matter was postponed, Nyamande said: 'On his first appearance, he was not aware of his legal rights when he told the court that he wanted to plead guilty. 'According to his rights, the first thing he needs to do is to apply for bail and this matter will go further than the magistrate's court. We are not at the stage [of the trial] for him to plead guilty. He is flip-flopping; we don't know. When we come back, he might say he wants to abandon bail. 'On the day [of his first appearance] he just thought that by appearing and saying he wanted to plead, then the whole matter would be finished,' he said. A sangoma arrested in connection with the murder of Kutlwano Shalaba, 2, appears again in court alongside the child's mother Keneiwe Shalaba. The two are accused of killing Kutlwano in November last year. #BabyKutlwano @SowetanLIVE — Jeanette Chabalala 🇿🇦 (@J_chabalala) June 5, 2025 Khoanyana was arrested last Thursday after he led the police to a shallow grave at Waterpan Road in Bekkersdal, where the remains of a toddler believed to be Kutlwano were exhumed. National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana said the investigation revealed that on November 10 2024, Shalaba took the child to the sangoma and requested him to kill her child because she was not happy with the gender of the baby and was tired of hiding it from her family that the child was a girl. 'The mother then allegedly fed the baby poison and after the baby died, it is alleged that the two took the child and buried her in a shallow grave in Waterpan.' Shalaba was denied bail in February. She told police that Kutlwano was strapped to her back when he was snatched from her. However, she was arrested a few days later.
The Star
03-06-2025
- Health
- The Star
What happened to the maternal love?
On May 11th, South Africa took a moment to celebrate and remember mothers, acknowledging the comfort, care, and boundless love that mothers embody. Those fortunate enough to have experienced this special maternal love should indeed treasure those memories. However, the recent news surrounding two deeply disturbing cases stands in stark contrast to this sentiment. A six-year-old girl and a two-year-old boy became victims in profoundly troubling ways. Keneilwe Shalaba, the mother of the two-year-old, Kutlwano, appeared in the Vanderbijlpark Magistrate's Court this week, accused of selling her son for R75 000. Tragically, Kutlwano, who had been missing since November of last year despite extensive searches, was found dead last week. A traditional healer is also expected to be implicated in this heartbreaking case. Adding to this sorrow is the case of six-year-old Joshlin Smith, who disappeared from her Saldanha Bay home on February 19, 2024. The court revealed that Joshlin was reportedly sold for R20 000. Her mother, Racquel ''Kelly'' Smith, along with her boyfriend and a family acquaintance, were found guilty in the Western Cape High Court and received life sentences. While justice may have been served in this instance, Joshlin herself remains missing. These cases, along with the countless others where children have suffered such fates at the hands of their mothers, are deeply distressing. While some commentators attribute these acts to poverty, it's important to remember the countless mothers who make immense sacrifices to provide for their children, working tirelessly in difficult conditions to ensure their well-being. We heard stories of mothers who sell toasted corn by the street corner to support their kids; and mothers walk the streets in the blazing sun, selling tripe, just to make sure that their children don't go to bed on an empty stomach. Ultimately, it seems that greed, with money as the driving force, lies at the heart of these unthinkable crimes.
IOL News
03-06-2025
- General
- IOL News
What happened to the maternal love?
Keneilwe Shalaba and her co-accused, a Lesotho National Sangoma, Sebokoana Khounyana, 50, appeared at the Vanderbijlpark Magistrates' Court on charges of premeditated murder and human trafficking of a two-year-old Kutlwano Shalaba. On May 11th, South Africa took a moment to celebrate and remember mothers, acknowledging the comfort, care, and boundless love that mothers embody. Those fortunate enough to have experienced this special maternal love should indeed treasure those memories. However, the recent news surrounding two deeply disturbing cases stands in stark contrast to this sentiment. A six-year-old girl and a two-year-old boy became victims in profoundly troubling ways. Keneilwe Shalaba, the mother of the two-year-old, Kutlwano, appeared in the Vanderbijlpark Magistrate's Court this week, accused of selling her son for R75 000. Tragically, Kutlwano, who had been missing since November of last year despite extensive searches, was found dead last week. A traditional healer is also expected to be implicated in this heartbreaking case. Adding to this sorrow is the case of six-year-old Joshlin Smith, who disappeared from her Saldanha Bay home on February 19, 2024. The court revealed that Joshlin was reportedly sold for R20 000. Her mother, Racquel ''Kelly'' Smith, along with her boyfriend and a family acquaintance, were found guilty in the Western Cape High Court and received life sentences. While justice may have been served in this instance, Joshlin herself remains missing. These cases, along with the countless others where children have suffered such fates at the hands of their mothers, are deeply distressing. While some commentators attribute these acts to poverty, it's important to remember the countless mothers who make immense sacrifices to provide for their children, working tirelessly in difficult conditions to ensure their well-being. We heard stories of mothers who sell toasted corn by the street corner to support their kids; and mothers walk the streets in the blazing sun, selling tripe, just to make sure that their children don't go to bed on an empty stomach. Ultimately, it seems that greed, with money as the driving force, lies at the heart of these unthinkable crimes.
Eyewitness News
03-06-2025
- Eyewitness News
Vanderbijlpark resident accuses mom of murdered boy (2) of being money obsessed
JOHANNESBURG - A Vanderbijlpark community member has accused the mother of a murdered two-year-old boy of being obsessed with money. In November, Keneilwe Shalaba reported her son, Kutlwano, missing, but was later arrested after investigations discovered she had received a suspicious sum of R75,000 in her bank account the same day that her child vanished. ALSO READ: - Police probe premeditated murder case after toddler (2) was killed and his mother arrested - Mother who allegedly sold her son (2) to a sangoma for R75k to remain behind bars Last week, police arrested a local sangoma, Sebokoane Khoanyana, who led investigators to the toddler's body in Bekkersdal. On Monday, Shalaba and Khoanyana appeared before the local magistrates court on charges of human trafficking and premeditated murder. Angry community member Masechaba Khubekha said the allegations against the child's mother come as no surprise. "The problem is that she loves money. The police officers told me I won't be able to register a case because I do not have any evidence."
IOL News
02-06-2025
- IOL News
Mother accused of selling toddler appears in court as community demands justice
Jacquen Appollis, Steveno van Rhyn, and Kelly Smith were sentenced to life imprisonment. In Gauteng, a mother appeared before the Vanderbijlpark Magistrate's Court this week, facing serious charges of human trafficking and conspiracy to commit a crime. Image: Ayanda Ndamane/Independent Newspapers The case of a two-year-old boy who went missing under disturbing circumstances has returned to court, drawing national attention and sparking public outrage. Keneilwe Shalaba, the mother of the child, appeared before the Vanderbijlpark Magistrate's Court this week, facing serious charges of human trafficking and conspiracy to commit a crime. Shalaba is accused of selling her son, Kutlwano Shalaba, who disappeared in November last year. According to investigators, the toddler was allegedly sold for R75 000, and the funds were deposited into his mother's bank account on the very day he vanished. The child's body was discovered last week, months after an intensive search that left the community heartbroken and desperate for answers. The grim discovery brought a tragic end to hopes that the boy might still be alive. Authorities say they were led to Kutlwano's remains following the arrest of a traditional healer, or sangoma, who is believed to be linked to the case. The sangoma is also expected to appear in court in connection with the child's death. Police sources have indicated that the investigation is far from over, with more suspects possibly being implicated as details emerge. Law enforcement officials are working with forensic experts to determine the exact cause of death and how the alleged trafficking arrangement unfolded. Outside the courtroom, emotions ran high as community members gathered to demand justice for Kutlwano. Many expressed disbelief that a mother could be accused of such a horrific crime, while others called for stronger protections against child trafficking and harsher penalties for those involved. 'We are here because we want justice for this innocent child,' said one resident outside the court. 'No child deserves to be betrayed like this. If what they're saying is true, she [Shalaba] must face the full might of the law.' The case has also renewed public concern over the growing threat of human trafficking in South Africa, particularly involving vulnerable children. Experts say poverty, lack of education, and social neglect often create the conditions for these crimes to flourish. 'Cases like this are heartbreaking but not isolated,' said Dr. Thandi Mokoena, a child rights advocate. 'We urgently need coordinated efforts from law enforcement, social services, and communities to address human trafficking. And that starts with holding perpetrators accountable.' Shalaba, who was previously released on bail, appeared sombre in court and did not address the media. Her legal team has not yet entered a plea, and the case has been postponed to allow further investigations. Meanwhile, the family of Kutlwano has asked for privacy as they grieve. A memorial service is expected to be held later this week, with local leaders and community groups planning to attend in support.
