Missing Toddler Found Months Later – You Won’t Believe Where

In a heartbreaking development, the body of two-year-old Kutlwano Shalaba who went missing in November 2024 has been found buried in a shallow grave at an abandoned mine near Randfontein, west of Johannesburg.

A police source confirmed that the shocking discovery was made after a 50-year-old sangoma (traditional healer) led officers to the site.

The sangoma, who reportedly operated at the Vereeniging taxi rank, has since been arrested in connection with the toddler’s death.

Kutlwano, originally from Boipatong in the Vaal, was reported missing by his mother, Keneilwe Shalaba, on November 13, 2024.

She initially told police that her son had been kidnapped by unknown men driving a silver-grey vehicle. But as the investigation unfolded, shocking allegations came to light.

Police arrested the mother and charged her with human trafficking, conspiracy to commit an offence, and providing false information to authorities.

The state alleges that Keneilwe Shalaba sold her son for R75,000, an amount she admitted to receiving on the same day Kutlwano went missing, although she failed to explain where the money came from.

During her bail hearing in February, police Sergeant George Motloung testified that Shalaba had claimed she and Kutlwano traveled to Durban on November 10 to buy clothes for resale.

However, Motloung stated that multiple witnesses, women who traveled with her to KwaZulu-Natal said the child was never with her on the trip.

According to their affidavits, Shalaba even asked them to lie to police if questioned.

Captain Tintswalo Sibeko confirmed that the remains were discovered in Waterpan Road, near the R28 in Bekkersdal. While the body is believed to be Kutlwano, DNA testing will be conducted to officially confirm the identity at the Carletonville mortuary.

Both Shalaba and the arrested sangoma are expected to appear in the Vanderbijlpark Magistrate’s Court on Monday, June 2, facing serious charges including murd3r and human trafficking.