Mother and sangoma in court for alleged sale and murder of Kutlwano Shalaba

VANDERBIJLPARK - The 32-year-old Keneilwe Shalaba and 50-year-old traditional healer Sebokoane Khanyane appeared in the Vanderbijlpark Magistrate’s Court today, facing charges linked to the death of two-year-old Kutlwano Shalaba. Shalaba, the toddler’s mother, was arrested in November 2024 after reporting her son missing. Investigations later uncovered that she allegedly sold Kutlwano for R75,000. The funds reportedly deposited into her account on the same day he vanished. Khanyane, arrested on 29 May, led police to a shallow grave near Waterpan Road in Bekkersdal where the child's remains were found. Shockingly, when asked about legal representation, Khanyane stated he needed none as he was guilty. NPA spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana confirmed that a charge of premeditated murder has been added against Shalaba and indicated that further charges may follow as the investigation unfolds.