🧺 Mother Faces Murder Charges in Chilling Gender Concealment Case
South Africa is reeling after disturbing testimony emerged in the Vanderbijlpark Magistrates’ Court, where a 32-year-old mother is accused of premeditated murder — allegedly driven by a desire to hide her child’s gender from her family.
Kuneuwe Portia Shalaba faces a long list of charges, including:
- Premeditated murder
- Human trafficking
- Conspiracy to commit robbery
- Lying to police
She stands accused of arranging the murder of her two-year-old daughter, Kutlwano Shalaba, with the help of a traditional healer (sangoma).
⚰️ What Police Say Happened
Investigators allege:
- Shalaba had been deceiving family members about her child’s gender for two years.
- Under mounting pressure, she allegedly decided to have the child killed rather than confess the truth.
- On 10 November 2024, she is said to have contacted Sebokoana Khounyana (50), a Lesotho national and sangoma.
- Authorities believe Shalaba poisoned her daughter, after which the child was buried in a shallow grave in Waterpan.
🚨 Arrest and Confession
Khounyana was arrested on 29 May 2025, following an intensive investigation. He later confessed to his involvement and led police to the hidden burial site.
The emotional case has stunned the local community and ignited conversations around:
- Cultural taboos and gender expectations
- Mental health and isolation in parenthood
- The abuse of traditional spiritual practices for criminal acts
⛓️ Court Developments
- Khounyana’s case has been postponed to 5 June 2025 to allow him to secure legal representation.
- The State will oppose bail.
- Shalaba has already been denied bail and remains in custody.
⚖️ What’s Next?
Both accused face serious charges with the possibility of life imprisonment if convicted. The case is expected to draw intense public and legal scrutiny as it unfolds
