Memorial walk held in Boipatong to honour the late 2-year-old Kutlwano Shalaba

BOIPATONG - The Boipatong SAPS says an emotional but peaceful memorial walk was held over the weekend for the late 2-year-old Kutlwano Shalaba, whose mother now stands accused of selling her own child. The toddler went missing in November 2024 and was later found dead under horrific circumstances. Boipatong police spokesperson, Constable Selina Mthimkulu, said in a statement the event began at the Boipatong Monument and ended at Boipatong Place of Care Creche in Tugela, where a memorial service took place. The gathering was supported by various stakeholders including SAPS management, GTW, gender-based violence brigades, CPF, local priests, patrollers, and the broader community. Candles were lit to honour Kutlwano’s memory, and local priests offered prayers and words of comfort drawn from Scripture. The service concluded with the presentation of portrait photographs of Kutlwano to her grieving family. The child’s mother, Keneilwe Shalaba (33), and a traditional healer (sangoma), Sebokoana Khoanyana (50), appeared in a Vanderbijlpark court on various charges, including premeditated murder and human trafficking. The sangoma reportedly led police to a shallow grave along Waterpan Road in Bekkersdal where skeletal remains—believed to be the child’s —were found.