In court on Wednesday, Khounyana, 50, chose to abandon his bail application. He is facing charges of premeditated murder, human trafficking, and being in the country without legal documentation.

The child’s mother, 32-year-old Kuneuwe Shalaba, is also facing multiple charges including premeditated murder, human trafficking, conspiracy to commit robbery, and lying to the police.

The disturbing details of the case reveal that on November 10, 2024, the mother allegedly brought her daughter to the sangoma, asking him to end the child’s life. Reports indicate she was unhappy with having a daughter and felt she could no longer hide the child’s gender from her family. She allegedly gave the toddler poison before the pair buried the little girl in a shallow grave in the Waterpan area.

Khounyana was arrested in late May. After his arrest, he reportedly confessed to his role in the crime and took authorities to the site where the child’s body was found.

The court has postponed the case to August 6 for further investigation.

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A charge of premeditated murder was added against the mother Kuneuwe Portia Shalaba (32), who was previously facing charges of human trafficking, conspiracy to commit robbery and making a false statement to the police.

It is alleged that on 10 November 2024, the mother of the child 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 in fact, 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 body in a shallow grave in Waterpan

After investigations by the police, the sangoma was arrested on 29 May 2025 and he subsequently made a confession and pointed out to the police about where the body of the child was buried.

In court, the matter was postponed to 05 June 2025, for legal representation for the sangoma. The state intends to oppose his release on bail.

The court previously denied the mother’s release on bail.

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Kutlwano had been missing since November 2024, his disappearance sparking outrage, fear, and desperate hope that the little boy would be found alive. But this week, police confirmed what many had feared: Kutlwano is gone.

His mother, Keneilwe Shalaba, remains in custody after her bail was denied. She is facing grave charges of human trafficking and conspiracy to commit a crime.

Investigations have revealed chilling details. Authorities say Kutlwano was allegedly sold for R75,000—the money reportedly deposited directly into Keneilwe’s bank account on the same day her child vanished.

The case took another disturbing turn with the recent arrest of a traditional healer—a sangoma—believed to be linked to the boy’s disappearance and death.

Police are continuing to investigate, and more arrests could follow.

This devastating case comes as the country focuses on the rights and safety of children, reminding all of the urgency to protect the most vulnerable in society.

Kutlwano’s story, like so many others, is a heart-wrenching reminder that for some children, home is not a safe place—and that behind every headline is a child who deserved a chance at life.

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