Forensic report delays progress in Kutlwano Shalaba murder case

An crucial forensic report and pending DNA results have once again delayed proceedings in the high-profile case of two-year-old Kutlwano Shalaba, whose mother and a traditional healer are facing serious charges related to his death.

The Vanderbijlpark Magistrates court postponed the matter to 13 January 2026, granting investigators additional time to finalise key forensic evidence.

The accused, Keneilwe Shalaba (32), the child’s mother, and Sebokoana Khounyana (50), face multiple charges including premeditated murder and human trafficking, linked to the disappearance and killing of young Kutlwano.

State Prosecutor, Moses Raditsela, told the court that recent developments in the investigation had made it impossible for the matter to proceed at this stage.

Defence lawyer Gladmore Nyamanda, representing Khounyana, argued that the repeated delays are infringing on his client’s right to a fair and speedy trial, as he has been in custody since May.

Nyamanda urged the court to bring the case to finality, but the magistrate dismissed the application, citing the importance of awaiting critical forensic evidence.

Speaking outside court, Nyamanda criticised the state for what he called unnecessary stalling, saying the defence is prepared to proceed as soon as the outstanding reports are submitted.

According to police, Shalaba allegedly poisoned her child and, with Khounyana’s assistance, buried the body in a shallow grave near the R28 in Bekkersdal, Randfontein, in November 2024.

 

It is further alleged that Shalaba wanted the child dead because she was unhappy with the child’s gender, and had reportedly been presenting her daughter as a boy. These allegations are expected to be clarified once the DNA analysis is completed.

Investigations also show that Shalaba allegedly received R75,000 in her bank account on the day the child went missing — prompting investigators to explore possible links to human trafficking and defeating the ends of justice, after she reportedly gave a false statement to police.

Residents of Boipatong have expressed support for the court’s decision to grant more time for investigations, stating that justice must not be rushed at the expense of truth.

Community member Mamello Moropi said Shalaba’s dishonesty from the outset has played a major role in the case’s prolonged timeline.

The case will return to court in January 2026, by which time the final forensic and DNA results are expected to be presented.

Written by: Lebohang Ndashe