Tragic Case of Two-Year-Old Kutloano Shalaba: From Disappearance to Heartbreaking Discovery

The harrowing story of two-year-old Kutloano Shalaba, who went missing in November 2024, has taken a devastating turn that has left many shaken. This case, which gripped public attention and raised many questions about child safety and exploitation, has now reached a grim conclusion.

The Disappearance of Kutloano Shalaba

Kutloano Shalaba, a toddler barely two years old, was reported missing in early November 2024. His disappearance sent shockwaves through his local community and beyond, triggering a frantic search involving the police and concerned citizens. The little boy’s sudden vanishing sparked an intense investigation, with authorities and the public desperate for answers and hopeful for his safe return.

Latest Development: The Recovery of Kutloano’s Body

On Friday, May 30, 2025, eNCA senior reporter Silindelo Masikane confirmed a tragic update. According to Masikane’s report, police have recovered the body of Kutloano Shalaba. This confirmation has brought a heartbreaking closure to the search but has also raised painful questions about the circumstances leading to his death.

The discovery of Kutloano’s body marks a significant development in the ongoing investigation. Law enforcement agencies are now focused on uncovering the full truth behind this case and bringing all responsible parties to justice.

Arrests Made: Sangoma and Mother in Custody

In connection with this disturbing case, authorities have arrested a sangoma — a traditional healer — whose role in the events surrounding Kutloano’s disappearance is under scrutiny. This arrest adds another layer of complexity to the investigation, as the sangoma’s involvement suggests possible cultural or ritualistic motives behind the crime.

Moreover, Kutloano’s mother, Keneilwe Shalaba, remains in police custody. She faces serious allegations, including selling her own son for R75,000, a charge that shocked many when it first emerged.

Court Proceedings and Charges Against Keneilwe Shalaba

The legal proceedings began shortly after the disappearance. Keneilwe Shalaba appeared before the Vanderbijlpark Magistrates’ Court in Gauteng on Monday, November 25, 2024. She was formally charged with multiple offenses, including:

• Human trafficking

• Conspiracy to commit robbery

• Making a false statement to the police

These charges were linked to the allegation that on November 10, 2024, Keneilwe sold her two-year-old son to unknown individuals. This claim, if true, highlights the severe exploitation and criminal elements at play in this tragic case.

The False Kidnapping Report

Adding to the complexity of the case was a false kidnapping report made by Keneilwe Shalaba. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) released a statement explaining that on November 13, 2024, she allegedly reported to the police that her son had been kidnapped by unknown men in a vehicle. This report sparked the initial search and mobilization of resources to find Kutloano.

However, during the investigation, police discovered inconsistencies in her story. It became clear that the kidnapping claim was fabricated, a falsehood designed to mislead authorities. Eventually, Keneilwe confessed to making up the kidnapping story.

Arrest and Custody

Following the confession and the uncovering of the truth, Keneilwe Shalaba was arrested on November 19, 2024. She has been held in custody ever since, facing legal proceedings and public scrutiny. Remarkably, during her time in detention, she gave birth to another child. This personal development has added yet another dimension to the ongoing saga.

Keneilwe appeared again in court on February 25, 2025, while pregnant, further illustrating the challenging circumstances surrounding this case.

Implications and Public Reaction

This case has stirred intense debate and concern among communities about child protection, parental responsibility, and the vulnerabilities that children face in societies struggling with poverty and crime. Many have questioned how a mother could allegedly sell her own child and what systemic issues might have contributed to such a tragedy.

The involvement of a sangoma also raises critical questions about cultural practices intersecting with criminal behavior. This has sparked discussions on the role traditional healers play in society and whether there are sufficient regulations to prevent exploitation.

The Role of Law Enforcement and Justice

South African law enforcement agencies have been under pressure to swiftly resolve this case and ensure justice is served. The recovery of Kutloano’s body and the arrests mark important milestones in this process. The charges against Keneilwe Shalaba and the sangoma are expected to be thoroughly investigated, with the judiciary taking a firm stance on human trafficking and child exploitation.

Raising Awareness on Child Safety and Trafficking

This tragic case underscores the urgent need for heightened awareness and stronger measures to protect vulnerable children. Human trafficking remains a significant challenge in South Africa and across the globe, often linked to poverty, social instability, and lack of education.

Communities and governments must work together to develop effective strategies for prevention, including:

• Public education campaigns about child safety

• Improved social support for at-risk families

• Stricter laws and enforcement against trafficking

• Enhanced cooperation between traditional leaders and authorities

Conclusion

The story of Kutloano Shalaba is a somber reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by children in our societies. The recovery of his body, the arrests of his mother and a sangoma, and the ongoing court case have brought this heartbreaking tragedy into sharp focus.

NaijaRush will continue to follow this case closely, providing updates and advocating for justice for Kutloano and all children at risk of exploitation. The hope remains that through awareness and stronger legal action, such tragedies can be prevented in the future.