What began as a missing child report has now turned into a deeply disturbing murder case involving a traditional healer and the child’s own mother.
Authorities in South Africa have uncovered the tragic death of a two-year-old girl, allegedly poisoned and buried in a shallow grave by the very people meant to protect her.
A Shocking Court Appearance
On Monday, 2 June 2025, 50-year-old Sebokoana Khounyana, a traditional healer known locally as a sangoma, stood before the Vanderbijlpark Magistrates’ Court.
The Lesotho national now faces extremely serious charges, including premeditated murder and human trafficking.
Alongside him in this deeply distressing case is 32-year-old Kuneuwe Portia Shalaba, the mother of the little girl, Kutlwano Shalaba.
She is also facing a growing list of charges — including human trafficking, conspiracy to commit robbery, misleading the police, and now, murder.
A Chilling Timeline of Events
According to prosecutors, the events leading to Kutlwano’s death began on 10 November 2024.
Police say Shalaba brought her daughter to Khounyana, apparently telling him that she no longer wanted the child simply because she was a girl.
She had also allegedly been keeping her daughter’s existence a secret from her family.
The most horrifying detail? Authorities claim that Shalaba herself fed poison to the toddler.
A Shallow Grave and a Grim Discovery
Once the child died, the pair reportedly buried her in a shallow grave near Waterpan, Gauteng.
The case might have gone unsolved — until recently.
On 29 May 2025, police arrested Khounyana. During questioning, he reportedly confessed to the crime and even guided detectives to the site where the child was buried, confirming their worst fears.
More Than Just a Murder Case
What makes this case even more harrowing is the broader web of alleged crimes it touches — from human trafficking to calculated deceit.
The prosecution is expected to argue that this was not a spontaneous act but one planned in advance, with disturbing motivations.
Ongoing Investigations and Public Reaction
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has confirmed that both individuals remain in custody, and investigations are ongoing.
Public reaction has been one of shock, sadness, and outrage, especially over the betrayal of a mother-child bond.
Stay Updated on the Case
As the legal proceedings continue and more details come to light, the case of little Kutlwano Shalaba is likely to remain in the public eye.
South Africans are following closely, demanding justice for a child who never got the chance to grow up.