Nation in shock as a mother sells her own child
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.
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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 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.''
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