In a terrifying case of premeditated murder and human trafficking, Kuneuwe Portia Shalaba (32), the mother of two-year-old Kutlwano Shalaba, and Sebokoana Khounyana (50), a Lesotho national sangoma, appeared before the Vanderbijlpark magistrates’ court on Monday.
The charges stem from Kutlwano’s tragic death, allegedly the result of a horrifying act her mother planned.
Court documents state that on November 10, 2024, Shalaba went to Khounyana and demanded that he kill her daughter because she was unhappy with the child’s gender and wanted to hide Kutlwano’s gender from her family.
According to a startling chain of events, Shalaba poisoned her toddler. In an attempt to hide the proof of their crime, the pair buried Kutlwano’s body in a shallow grave in Waterpan after the child passed away.
Following police investigations, Khounyana was taken into custody on May 29, 2025.
When the accused sangoma confessed and led the authorities to the shallow grave, the terrible truth of the toddler’s fate became clear.
Premeditated murder
Khounyana has been charged with both premeditated murder and human trafficking, while Shalaba has been charged with premeditated murder after initially being charged with human trafficking, conspiracy to commit robbery, and making a false statement to law enforcement.
Outraged, Lumka Mahanjana, the regional spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), said: “The NPA is determined to secure justice for Kutlwano and will oppose bail to ensure the accused face the full weight of the law.”
The state has disclosed that it intends to contest Khounyana’s bail when he appears in court again on June 5, after he has obtained legal counsel.
Shalaba remains in custody after she was previously refused bail.
The community is still reeling from the tragedy and is debating the reasons for such a horrible crime as well as the part played by cultural customs.
Also Read: Man identified as sangoma accused of kidnapping baby girl
