Missing two-year-old Kutlwano Shalaba's body recovered
JOHANNESBURG - Police have made another gruesome discovery as Child Protection Week starts.
The body of two-year-old Kutlwano Shalaba has been recovered.
The toddler has been missing since November last year.
His mother, Keneilwe remains behind bars after being denied bail.
She is facing charges of human trafficking and conspiracy to commit a crime.
Kutlwano was reportedly sold for R75,000, with the funds deposited into the mother's account on the day of his disappearance.
A sangoma is the latest to be arrested in connection with this matter.
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The Star
7 hours ago
- The Star
Nation in shock as a mother sells her own child
Staff Reporter | Published 2 hours ago The tragic case of a two-year-old boy allegedly sold by his mother for R75 000 has sent shockwaves through South Africa, reigniting urgent questions about the country's deepening social, psychological, and spiritual crisis. Keneilwe Shalaba, 28, appeared this week before the Vanderbijlpark Magistrate's Court on charges of human trafficking and conspiracy to commit a crime. She is accused of selling her toddler son, Kutlwano, last November. The boy's body was discovered last week following the arrest of a traditional healer allegedly connected to the case. According to police, the money — R75 000 — was deposited into Shalaba's bank account on the same day the child went missing. The transaction and the months-long silence that followed left the local community stunned, and the courtroom was packed with outraged residents demanding justice. 'This isn't just a legal case. It's a symptom of a much deeper spiritual and societal sickness,' said one local pastor who joined community members outside the court. As more details emerge, so too does the question: how could a mother sell her own child? Experts believe the answer lies not only in poverty and desperation but in a far more unsettling realm — spiritual decay and psychological collapse. Dr Thandi Mokoena, a Johannesburg-based psychiatrist, says the case is emblematic of growing mental health disorders fuelled by drug abuse, trauma, and lack of support. 'We are seeing a breakdown of basic empathy and maternal instinct. Substance abuse is a key factor, but so is spiritual confusion. Many individuals are turning to harmful practices in search of hope or financial gain.' Police believe Shalaba may have been influenced or manipulated by individuals involved in occult practices or ritual trafficking. The involvement of a sangoma (traditional healer) has raised further fears about children being used in ritual killings — a chilling reality that, while rare, is not unheard of in some parts of the country. This case underscores a broader crisis in South Africa — one that goes beyond crime statistics and courtrooms. Many citizens and spiritual leaders are calling it a 'spiritual war' — a collapse of values, mental well-being, and community structures. 'Satanism, occultism, and false prophets have infiltrated our towns,' said local activist Lebo Mhlongo. 'People are turning to darkness in search of power and wealth. We are fighting a war for the soul of our nation.' The Department of Social Development has called for stronger protective systems for vulnerable children and mental health support for families. But overwhelmed by widespread poverty, unemployment, and under-resourced police units, progress remains slow. Meanwhile, South Africa continues to wrestle with rising cases of human trafficking. According to 2024 data from the Human Rights Commission, thousands of children are reported missing each year, many believed to be trafficked for labour, sex work, or ritual purposes. In court, Shalaba showed no emotion. Her legal team has yet to enter a plea, and the case was postponed to allow further investigation. The sangoma arrested in connection with Kutlwano's death is expected to appear in court later this month. Outside the courtroom, the atmosphere was tense and emotional. 'What happened to that little boy is evil,' one community member shouted. 'We are here because this must never happen again.' A memorial service for Kutlwano is scheduled for this week. ''Community leaders are expected to use the gathering to call for national prayer and healing. The murder of Kutlwano Shalaba is more than a criminal act — it is a mirror reflecting the spiritual and psychological battles raging within society.''
IOL News
9 hours ago
- IOL News
Nation in shock as a mother sells her own child
Keneilwe Shalaba, accused of selling her two-year-old son Kutloano Shalaba, is reported to have given birth to another child while in custody. Image: Itumeleng English / Independent Newspapers The tragic case of a two-year-old boy allegedly sold by his mother for R75 000 has sent shockwaves through South Africa, reigniting urgent questions about the country's deepening social, psychological, and spiritual crisis. Keneilwe Shalaba, 28, appeared this week before the Vanderbijlpark Magistrate's Court on charges of human trafficking and conspiracy to commit a crime. She is accused of selling her toddler son, Kutlwano, last November. The boy's body was discovered last week following the arrest of a traditional healer allegedly connected to the case. According to police, the money — R75 000 — was deposited into Shalaba's bank account on the same day the child went missing. The transaction and the months-long silence that followed left the local community stunned, and the courtroom was packed with outraged residents demanding justice. 'This isn't just a legal case. It's a symptom of a much deeper spiritual and societal sickness,' said one local pastor who joined community members outside the court. The Breakdown of Humanity As more details emerge, so too does the question: how could a mother sell her own child? Experts believe the answer lies not only in poverty and desperation but in a far more unsettling realm — spiritual decay and psychological collapse. Dr Thandi Mokoena, a Johannesburg-based psychiatrist, says the case is emblematic of growing mental health disorders fuelled by drug abuse, trauma, and lack of support. 'We are seeing a breakdown of basic empathy and maternal instinct. Substance abuse is a key factor, but so is spiritual confusion. Many individuals are turning to harmful practices in search of hope or financial gain.' Police believe Shalaba may have been influenced or manipulated by individuals involved in occult practices or ritual trafficking. The involvement of a sangoma (traditional healer) has raised further fears about children being used in ritual killings — a chilling reality that, while rare, is not unheard of in some parts of the country. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. 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Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ A Nation Under Psychological and Spiritual Siege This case underscores a broader crisis in South Africa — one that goes beyond crime statistics and courtrooms. Many citizens and spiritual leaders are calling it a 'spiritual war' — a collapse of values, mental well-being, and community structures.'Satanism, occultism, and false prophets have infiltrated our towns,' said local activist Lebo Mhlongo. 'People are turning to darkness in search of power and wealth. We are fighting a war for the soul of our nation.' The Department of Social Development has called for stronger protective systems for vulnerable children and mental health support for families. But overwhelmed by widespread poverty, unemployment, and under-resourced police units, progress remains slow. Meanwhile, South Africa continues to wrestle with rising cases of human trafficking. According to 2024 data from the Human Rights Commission, thousands of children are reported missing each year, many believed to be trafficked for labour, sex work, or ritual purposes. Community Outrage and National Shame In court, Shalaba showed no emotion. Her legal team has yet to enter a plea, and the case was postponed to allow further investigation. The sangoma arrested in connection with Kutlwano's death is expected to appear in court later this month. Outside the courtroom, the atmosphere was tense and emotional. 'What happened to that little boy is evil,' one community member shouted. 'We are here because this must never happen again.' A memorial service for Kutlwano is scheduled for this week. ''Community leaders are expected to use the gathering to call for national prayer and murder of Kutlwano Shalaba is more than a criminal act — it is a mirror reflecting the spiritual and psychological battles raging within society.''
The Citizen
10 hours ago
- The Citizen
Child Protection Week: Growing calls for tougher sentences for child abuse offenders
Joburg Child Welfare is calling for decisive action and tougher sentencing as Saps highlights recent life sentences for sexual offenders. JCW and other non-profit organisations marched to the Department of Justice on Sunday, 1 June. Picture: Supplied As South Africa marks Child Protection Week to raise awareness about children's rights and safety, non-profit organisation Joburg Child Welfare (JCW) has called for harsher punishments for perpetrators of child abuse. This year's theme, 'Working together in ending violence against children', urges all South Africans to unite in protecting children from harm. South Africa marks Child Protection Week from 29 May to 5 June 2025. As part of the week's activities, JCW and other non-profit organisations marched to the Department of Justice on Sunday, 1 June. Child Protection Week 'With more than 26 000 cases of child abuse and neglect reported in the 2024-25 financial year, according to the Department of Social Development, it is high time that we emphasise more comprehensive approaches to strengthen children's protective environments,' said Abubakr Hattas, CEO of JCW. The organisation said the march aimed to demand the urgent implementation of tougher penalties for child abuse offenders, particularly those involved in Schedule 6 crimes. ALSO READ: Gauteng man arrested for illegal initiation school and taking in children 'This march aimed to raise national awareness and signal to lawmakers that the current sentencing regime fails to reflect the gravity of the harm inflicted on children,' Hattas said in a statement on Tuesday. 'We demand a justice system that not only protects, but actively deters violence against children.' JCW and other non-profit organisations marched to the Department of Justice on Sunday, 1 June. Picture: Supplied. March demanding stricter sentences for abusers The CEO said strong child protection offers a safeguard against the many risks and vulnerabilities that can lead to harm and abuse. This means backing initiatives that teach kids the importance of boundaries and respect for one another, while also educating them about their rights to safety and protection, Hattas said. 'South Africa has strong legislation and a national action plan to prevent and address violence against children, indicating urgent commitment to the protection of children's rights. However, laws and policies by themselves are insufficient; they are ineffective without enforcement,' he said. ALSO READ: Violence against children soars despite strong laws Hattas added that society needs to build a stronger consensus and show greater intolerance for abuse and violence to truly protect children. 'Acceptance of violence against children undermines protective norms and practices, sharply increasing children's vulnerability to violations of their rights,' Hattas concluded. 'More must be done to advocate for and protect the rights of every child and young people in the country.' Recent arrests and sentences for child sexual offenders Amid Child Protection Week, the South African Police Service (Saps) has highlighted the recent harsher sentences and arrests against perpetrators who committed crimes against children. Police arrested a 50-year-old man in Brackenfell, Cape Town, on multiple charges, including sexual exploitation, grooming, and facilitating the production of child pornography. ALSO READ: Parents sentenced for murder and abuse of one-year-old daughter Saps spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Vincent Mukhathi said the Free State Serial and Electronic Crime Investigations (SECI) Unit traced the suspect to the Western Cape after conducting an extensive investigation into cyber sexual crimes against minors. Recently, a father of three has been sentenced to life imprisonment after he was found guilty of sexually assaulting his children, aged between three and 13 years. The conviction comes after the children's mother reported the case to the Benoni police on 4 August 2021. The Benoni Regional Court found the father guilty on multiple charges, including rape, sexual assault, compelling or causing a minor to masturbate, and exposing genital organs, Pastor sentenced to 2 life terms Furthermore, on 26 May 2025, the Edenburg Regional Court sentenced a 47-year-old pastor to two life terms of imprisonment after finding him guilty of raping a 12-year-old girl. 'As South Africa observes Child Protection Week, the Saps remains committed and dedicated to protecting children's rights and ensuring justice for victims of sexual crimes,' Mukhathi said. NOW READ: South Africans demand #JusticeforCwecwe in nationwide protests (VIDEOS)
