Sangoma arrested in connection with 2-year-old's murder abandons bail application

JOHANNESBURG - A sangoma arrested in connection with the murder of a two-year-old told the Vanderbijlpark Magistrates Court that he would be abandoning his bail application.
 
Sebokoane Khoanyana appeared in court on Wednesday, alongside Keneilwe Shalaba, the mother of the deceased two-year-old.
 
The two face charges of kidnapping and premeditated murder in connection with the child’s disappearance.
  
The public gallery in court was packed, with community members calling for justice for the murder of the two-year-old Kutlwano Shalaba.
 
Some in attendance told EWN that they knew Kutlwano’s mother personally and were very concerned when, in November last year, she reported that the child had been kidnapped.
 
Days later, she was arrested in connection with his disappearance.
 
She was also questioned about receiving R75,000 on the day her child vanished.
 
Further investigation by police in May linked her to Khoanyana.
 
The sangoma pointed out where Kutlwano was buried in Bekkersdal, and he was arrested.
 
On Wednesday, Khoanyana informed the court that he would not be applying for bail.

Magistrate Michael Tlale reminded him that he could apply for bail at a later stage.

"Whenever accused number two wishes to bring a bail application at a later stage, he must arrange with the State so that the matter is brought to court."
 
The two suspects will remain in custody until their next court appearance in August.

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