In a deeply disturbing case that has shocked the nation, Sebokoana Khounyana, a 50-year-old undocumented Lesotho national and self-proclaimed sangoma, has abandoned his bail application in the Vanderbijlpark Magistrates’ Court. He faces multiple charges including premeditated murder, human trafficking, and illegal residency.
Khounyana’s co-accused, 32-year-old Kuneuwe Portia Shalaba, the mother of the 2-year-old victim, Kutlwano Shalaba, is charged with premeditated murder, human trafficking, conspiracy to commit robbery, and providing false statements to police.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Shalaba had allegedly concealed her daughter’s gender from family members and, overcome with pressure, approached Khounyana on 10 November 2024, requesting he perform the killing.
Court records reveal Shalaba poisoned her daughter, and after the child’s death, she and Khounyana buried the body in a shallow grave in Waterpan.
Khounyana, arrested on 29 May 2025, confessed to the crime and led authorities to the grave. Shalaba’s bail was previously denied, and both accused remain in custody.
The harrowing case has ignited public outrage and renewed calls for stronger child protection laws and decisive action against human trafficking. The matter has been postponed to 6 August 2025 for further investigation as authorities work to uncover the full extent of this appalling crime.
