Mother Arrested for Selling 2-Year-Old Son For R75,000
A 33-year-old mother, Keneilwe Shalaba, who is heavily pregnant with twins, is accused of selling her two-year-old son, Kutlwano, for R75,000.
She appeared before the Vanderbijlpark Magistrate’s Court, facing charges of human trafficking, conspiracy, and making false statements to the police.
The court heard that on the day Shalaba reported her son missing in November 2024, a sum of R75,000 was deposited into her bank account.
The investigating officer, Sergeant George Motloung, revealed that Shalaba admitted to receiving the money and that bank records confirmed the transaction.
Also Read: Soweto Woman Fakes A Kidnapping With Her Partner To Demand R200K From Her Family
Fabricated Kidnapping Story Unravels
Initially, Shalaba told police that her son was kidnapped by three unknown men in a silver-grey VW Polo. She claimed the men grabbed Kutlwano from her back as she exited a taxi and sped off. However, investigations soon uncovered inconsistencies in her story.
Mother Arrested for Selling 2-Year-Old Son (Image Credit: SowetanLive)During the bail hearing, Motloung disclosed that Shalaba had confessed to faking the kidnapping. Further evidence revealed that she attempted to extort R40,000 from Kutlwano’s father, claiming it was needed for the child’s release, The Citizen reveals.
State Opposes Bail, Cites Safety Concerns
The state strongly opposed Shalaba’s bail application, arguing that she poses a danger to her other two children and could interfere with state witnesses. Motloung emphasized that Shalaba had contacted a witness, instructing them to lie about her whereabouts and promising payment in return.
“The applicant is a danger to children. If granted bail, there’s a likelihood that the twins she is carrying might go through the same thing as the two-year-old,” Motloung told the court.
Hearing Continues Amid Public Outrage
The case has sparked widespread outrage, with many questioning how a mother could allegedly sell her own child. Shalaba, a mother of three, pleaded for bail, citing poor prison conditions and her pregnancy. However, the state remains firm in its opposition, citing the gravity of the charges and the risk of witness tampering.
The hearing will continue on Friday, when the defense is expected to present its closing arguments. Shalaba remains in custody as the court deliberates on her bail application.