Latest news with #VanderbijlparkMagistrate'sCourt
The Star
2 days ago
- Health
- 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.''
The Star
2 days ago
- Health
- The Star
What happened to the maternal love?
On May 11th, South Africa took a moment to celebrate and remember mothers, acknowledging the comfort, care, and boundless love that mothers embody. Those fortunate enough to have experienced this special maternal love should indeed treasure those memories. However, the recent news surrounding two deeply disturbing cases stands in stark contrast to this sentiment. A six-year-old girl and a two-year-old boy became victims in profoundly troubling ways. Keneilwe Shalaba, the mother of the two-year-old, Kutlwano, appeared in the Vanderbijlpark Magistrate's Court this week, accused of selling her son for R75 000. Tragically, Kutlwano, who had been missing since November of last year despite extensive searches, was found dead last week. A traditional healer is also expected to be implicated in this heartbreaking case. Adding to this sorrow is the case of six-year-old Joshlin Smith, who disappeared from her Saldanha Bay home on February 19, 2024. The court revealed that Joshlin was reportedly sold for R20 000. Her mother, Racquel ''Kelly'' Smith, along with her boyfriend and a family acquaintance, were found guilty in the Western Cape High Court and received life sentences. While justice may have been served in this instance, Joshlin herself remains missing. These cases, along with the countless others where children have suffered such fates at the hands of their mothers, are deeply distressing. While some commentators attribute these acts to poverty, it's important to remember the countless mothers who make immense sacrifices to provide for their children, working tirelessly in difficult conditions to ensure their well-being. We heard stories of mothers who sell toasted corn by the street corner to support their kids; and mothers walk the streets in the blazing sun, selling tripe, just to make sure that their children don't go to bed on an empty stomach. Ultimately, it seems that greed, with money as the driving force, lies at the heart of these unthinkable crimes.
IOL News
2 days ago
- General
- IOL News
What happened to the maternal love?
Keneilwe Shalaba and her co-accused, a Lesotho National Sangoma, Sebokoana Khounyana, 50, appeared at the Vanderbijlpark Magistrates' Court on charges of premeditated murder and human trafficking of a two-year-old Kutlwano Shalaba. On May 11th, South Africa took a moment to celebrate and remember mothers, acknowledging the comfort, care, and boundless love that mothers embody. Those fortunate enough to have experienced this special maternal love should indeed treasure those memories. However, the recent news surrounding two deeply disturbing cases stands in stark contrast to this sentiment. A six-year-old girl and a two-year-old boy became victims in profoundly troubling ways. Keneilwe Shalaba, the mother of the two-year-old, Kutlwano, appeared in the Vanderbijlpark Magistrate's Court this week, accused of selling her son for R75 000. Tragically, Kutlwano, who had been missing since November of last year despite extensive searches, was found dead last week. A traditional healer is also expected to be implicated in this heartbreaking case. Adding to this sorrow is the case of six-year-old Joshlin Smith, who disappeared from her Saldanha Bay home on February 19, 2024. The court revealed that Joshlin was reportedly sold for R20 000. Her mother, Racquel ''Kelly'' Smith, along with her boyfriend and a family acquaintance, were found guilty in the Western Cape High Court and received life sentences. While justice may have been served in this instance, Joshlin herself remains missing. These cases, along with the countless others where children have suffered such fates at the hands of their mothers, are deeply distressing. While some commentators attribute these acts to poverty, it's important to remember the countless mothers who make immense sacrifices to provide for their children, working tirelessly in difficult conditions to ensure their well-being. We heard stories of mothers who sell toasted corn by the street corner to support their kids; and mothers walk the streets in the blazing sun, selling tripe, just to make sure that their children don't go to bed on an empty stomach. Ultimately, it seems that greed, with money as the driving force, lies at the heart of these unthinkable crimes.
IOL News
3 days ago
- IOL News
Sangoma appears in court, linked to murder of two-year-old
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 sangoma accused of working with Keneilwe Shalaba, the mother accused of selling her two-year-old son, Kutlwano Shalaba appeared in the Vanderbijlpark Magistrate's Court on Monday. The pair faces charges of premeditated murder, human trafficking and conspiracy to commit a robbery after Kutlwano was reported missing in November last year and it later emerged that R75,000 was deposited into Shalaba's bank account on the day of his disappearance. The State alleges that Keneilwe Shalaba sold the child to sangoma Sebokoana Khounyana In court, the matter was postponed to 05 June 2025, for legal representation for Khounyana with the state revealing that it intends to oppose his release on bail. Khounyana's first appearance comes after the body of the child was recovered last week in a shallow grave, near the R28 in Bekkersdal, Randfontein. In November last year, Keneilwe Shalaba reported that her child had been kidnapped and she was arrested three days later, after confessing to selling him to a sangoma. After further investigation, cellphone records led police to Khoanyana. When he was arrested, he confessed to playing a part in the disappearance and pointed out where the child was buried. 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. 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. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Lumka Mahanjana said that an extra charge of premeditated murder was added against Shalaba with the possibility of further charges being added. "A Lesotho national sangoma, Sebokoana Khounyana (50), appeared at the Vanderbijlpark Magistrates' Court on charges of premeditated murder and human trafficking of a two-year-old baby Kutlwano Shalaba. "A charge of premeditated murder was added against the mother Kuneilwe Portia Shalaba (32), who was previously facing charges of human trafficking, conspiracy to commit robbery and making a false statement to the police. She said initial investigations suggested that Shalaba might have sold Kutlwano, however, as it stands, investigations are suggesting other things other than selling. However, we are still following up on those investigations and more charges might be added," Mahanjana said. Keneilwe Shalaba and her co-accused, a Lesotho National Sangoma, Sebokoana Khounyana, 50, appeared at the Vanderbijlpark Magistrates' Court on charges of premeditated murder and human trafficking of a two-year-old Kutlwano Shalaba. Image: NPA
IOL News
3 days ago
- IOL News
Mother accused of selling toddler appears in court as community demands justice
Jacquen Appollis, Steveno van Rhyn, and Kelly Smith were sentenced to life imprisonment. In Gauteng, a mother appeared before the Vanderbijlpark Magistrate's Court this week, facing serious charges of human trafficking and conspiracy to commit a crime. Image: Ayanda Ndamane/Independent Newspapers The case of a two-year-old boy who went missing under disturbing circumstances has returned to court, drawing national attention and sparking public outrage. Keneilwe Shalaba, the mother of the child, appeared before the Vanderbijlpark Magistrate's Court this week, facing serious charges of human trafficking and conspiracy to commit a crime. Shalaba is accused of selling her son, Kutlwano Shalaba, who disappeared in November last year. According to investigators, the toddler was allegedly sold for R75 000, and the funds were deposited into his mother's bank account on the very day he vanished. The child's body was discovered last week, months after an intensive search that left the community heartbroken and desperate for answers. The grim discovery brought a tragic end to hopes that the boy might still be alive. Authorities say they were led to Kutlwano's remains following the arrest of a traditional healer, or sangoma, who is believed to be linked to the case. The sangoma is also expected to appear in court in connection with the child's death. Police sources have indicated that the investigation is far from over, with more suspects possibly being implicated as details emerge. Law enforcement officials are working with forensic experts to determine the exact cause of death and how the alleged trafficking arrangement unfolded. Outside the courtroom, emotions ran high as community members gathered to demand justice for Kutlwano. Many expressed disbelief that a mother could be accused of such a horrific crime, while others called for stronger protections against child trafficking and harsher penalties for those involved. 'We are here because we want justice for this innocent child,' said one resident outside the court. 'No child deserves to be betrayed like this. If what they're saying is true, she [Shalaba] must face the full might of the law.' The case has also renewed public concern over the growing threat of human trafficking in South Africa, particularly involving vulnerable children. Experts say poverty, lack of education, and social neglect often create the conditions for these crimes to flourish. 'Cases like this are heartbreaking but not isolated,' said Dr. Thandi Mokoena, a child rights advocate. 'We urgently need coordinated efforts from law enforcement, social services, and communities to address human trafficking. And that starts with holding perpetrators accountable.' Shalaba, who was previously released on bail, appeared sombre in court and did not address the media. Her legal team has not yet entered a plea, and the case has been postponed to allow further investigations. Meanwhile, the family of Kutlwano has asked for privacy as they grieve. A memorial service is expected to be held later this week, with local leaders and community groups planning to attend in support.
