VANDERBIJLPARK – The case involving two-year-old Kutlwano Shalaba has once again been delayed, five months later, due to an outstanding forensic report and pending DNA results.

This was heard during the brief appearance in the Vanderbijlpark Magistrate’s Court by Kutlwano’s mother and a traditional healer who are facing serious charges, including premeditated murder and human trafficking, linked to the disappearance and killing of the toddler.

On October 6, the court postponed proceedings to allow investigators more time to finalise key forensic evidence.

Keneilwe Shalaba (32) and Sebokoane Khanyane (50) are expected to return to court on January 13.

Following the postponement, defence lawyer Gladmore Nyamanda, representing Khanyane, argued that the repeated delays are infringing on his client’s right to a fair and speedy trial.

Addressing the media outside the court, Nyamanda criticised the state for what he called unnecessary stalling, saying the defense is prepared to proceed as soon as the outstanding reports are submitted.

“I will keep on pushing for the matter to be marked final in January next year, because the forensic report and DNA analysis cannot take more than six months,” he said.

Khanyane has been in custody since May, leaving him behind bars for five months now.

According to police reports, Shalaba allegedly poisoned her child.

With Khanyane’s assistance the duo buried the body in a shallow grave near the R28 in Bekkersdal, Randfontein, in November 2024.