By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
2 June 2025- A Lesotho national Sangoma, Sebokoana Khounyana (50), briefly appeared at the Vanderbijlpark Magistrate’s Court on charges of premeditated murder and human trafficking of Kutlwano Shalaba (2). A charge of premeditated murder was added against the mother Kuneuwe Portia Shalaba (32), who was previously facing charges of human trafficking, conspiracy to commit robbery and making a false statement to the police.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Lumka Mahanjana said it is alleged that on 10 November 2024, the mother of the child took the child to the sangoma and requested him to kill her child because she was not happy with the gender of the baby. Mahanjana said the mother was tired of hiding the gender of the baby from her family and that in fact, the child was a girl.
“The mother then allegedly fed the baby poison and after the baby died it is alleged that the two took the child and buried her body in a shallow grave in Waterpan. After investigations by the police, the sangoma was arrested on 29 May 2025 and he subsequently made a confession and pointed out to the police about where the body of the child was buried.
“In court, the matter was postponed to 5 June 2025, for legal representation for the sangoma. The state intends to oppose his release on bail. The court previously denied the mother’s release on bail,” she said.
The Guardian 