Lesotho Sangoma Abandons Bail In Shocking Baby Kutlwano Shalaba Murder Case

A 50-year-old traditional healer from Lesotho, Sebokoana Khounyana, has abandoned his bid for bail as he faces multiple serious charges in the brutal murder of two-year-old Kutlwano Shalaba. Khounyana, who is reportedly in South Africa illegally, appeared briefly in the Vanderbijlpark Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday.

He is charged with premeditated murder, human trafficking, and being undocumented. His co-accused, 32-year-old Keneuwe Portia Shalaba—the mother of the victim—is facing charges of premeditated murder, human trafficking, conspiracy to commit robbery, and providing a false statement to police.

Shocking Motive and Sangoma’s Disturbing Confession

According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the crime occurred on 10 November 2024. Investigators allege that Keneuwe Shalaba took her toddler to Khounyana and asked him to kill the child because she was unhappy with the baby’s gender and tired of hiding that the child was a girl.

NPA spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana revealed chilling new details: “After the baby died, it is alleged that the two took the child and buried her body in a shallow grave in Waterpan.”

Authorities believe the mother poisoned her own child before the burial. Investigators also discovered a R75,000 deposit into the mother’s bank account on the day the child went missing, raising suspicions of a financial motive.

Khounyana was arrested on 29 May 2025, and reportedly confessed to his role in the crime. He then led authorities to the shallow grave where the toddler’s body was found.

Public Shock as More Children Go Missing and Murdered

Following Khounyana’s court appearance, the case was postponed to 6 August 2025 for further investigation. The court had previously denied bail to Keneuwe Shalaba.

Meanwhile, the province is reeling from a string of tragic incidents involving children. A family in Ratanda, Heidelberg, is pleading for the safe return of 8-year-old Omphile Sebiloane, who was allegedly kidnapped this week. The Grade 2C learner from Shalimar Ridge Primary was last seen wearing a pink tracksuit, maroon top, and a black jacket over pyjamas.

This comes just weeks after the murder of 14-year-old Lukhona Fose, whose mutilated body was found in an open field in Braamfischerville on 1 June 2025.

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