Sangoma charged with human trafficking, premeditated murder of toddler to apply for bail

JOHANNESBURG - A sangoma charged with human trafficking and the premeditated murder of a toddler will apply for bail in the Vanderbijpark Magistrates Court on Thursday.

Earlier this week, Sebokoane Khoanyana told the court that he was guilty.

At the time, the court dismissed his admission, as it was not the time to address a plea.

Khoanyana and the child's mother are believed to have sold the child in 2024.

Vanderbijlpark community members filled the public gallery.

Outside, a small group of the neighbourhood's safety gender-based violence (GBV) brigades picketed, singing that two-year-old Kutlwano Shalaba was not resting well.

The child's mother reported him missing in November 2024.

A few days later, she was arrested for his disappearance.

It's the State's case that Keneilwe Shalaba received R75,000 on the day that her son went missing.

Her co-accused, Khoanyana, was arrested a week ago.

Police believe the sangoma was an accomplice in the toddler's disappearance.

On the day of his arrest, police said he revealed where the child's body was buried in Bekkersdal.

On Thursday, his legal representative, Gladmore Nyamanda, said Khoanyana has decided to apply for bail.

The magistrate asked: "How soon do you wish to bring this bail application?"

"We had agreed with the State for the 25th of June, your worship," Nyamanda replied.

The two suspects will remain in custody until their next appearance later in June.