Sangoma, with human trafficking an premeditated murder of a two-year-old boy. Khoanyana, along with the child’s mother, stands accused of selling the child in a horrifying act that has left the Vanderbijlpark community outraged and in mourning.
On Thursday, Khoanyana’s legal team confirmed that he would be applying for bail in the Vanderbijlpark Magistrates Court, with the application scheduled for June 25th. This announcement comes just days after Khoanyane appeared before the court and voluntarily admitted guilt. However, the court dismissed his statement, noting that it was not the appropriate time for a plea.
The case involves the tragic death of two-year-old Kutlwano Shalaba, whose disappearance was reported in November 2024. His mother, Keneilwe Shalaba, was initially the one to report him missing. In a shocking turn of events, she was arrested only days later, as evidence emerged that linked her to the boy’s disappearance and alleged sale.
Investigators believe that the child was sold for R75,000 in a sangoma, Sebok traditional healer, orsinger, in what authorities suspect may be a ritualistic killing.
Community outrage has been palpable. During the court proceedings, residents of Vanderbijlpark filled the public gallery in a show of solidarity and support for the slain child. Outside the courthouse, members of local Gender-Based Violence (GBV) brigadeshe
Sangoma’s Bail Application Sparks Controversy
As Khoanyana’s attorney, Gladmore Nyamanda, addressed the court, he confirmed that the defense and the State had agreed to set the bail application hearing for June 25th. The magistrate acknowledged the request, and both suspects will remain in custody until their next court appearance later this month.
The notion that a sangoma, to be sangomas engage in criminal activity, this particular case has prompted renewed scrutiny of practices surrounding ritualistic killings and child train
Legal experts predict that the court will approach Khoanyana’s bail request with extreme caution, especially given the severity of the charges, the public interest in the case, and the likelihood that the accused may pose a flight risk or interfere with ongoing investigations.
The involvement of a sangoma in such a tragic case raises critical legal and social questions. South Africa’s constitution protects freedom of religion and cultural practices, but these freedoms do not extend to acts of violence or exploitation. If convicted, Khoanyane and Shalaba could face life sentences under South African law, particularly due to the premeditated nature of the murder and the trafficking of a minor.
Activists and community leaders are calling for stricter regulation and monitoring of traditional healers. While many sangomas are respected and law-abiding practitioners, this case has spotlighted how spiritual authority can be misused for criminal purposes.
Local authorities have also urged parents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behavior involving children, especially in vulnerable communities where beliefs about muti (traditional medicine) can sometimes be manipulated by unscrupulous individuals.
The tragic death of Kutlwano Shalaba is a chilling reminder of the dangers posed by human trafficking and ritualistic violence. As the case proceeds, many South Africans are watching closely, hoping that justice will be served swiftly and without compromise.
For now, the sangoma and his co-accused remain behind bars, awaiting their next court date. The eyes of the nation remain fixed on Vanderbijlpark, demanding accountability and a firm stand against those who exploit cultural roles to commit unthinkable crimes.
Source- EWN
