A 32-year-old woman who is facing charges of human trafficking, conspiracy to commit robbery, and providing false information to the police abandoned her bail application in the Vanderbijlpark Magistrate's Court.

IN CUSTODY

Keneilwe Shalaba's charges stem from allegations that she sold her two-year-old son Kutloano to unidentified individuals earlier this month. She then reported a false case of kidnapping to the police three days later, claiming that her son was grabbed from her back as he came out of a taxi in Boipatong outside Vanderbijlpark in the Vaal. NPA regional spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana said investigations by law enforcement revealed inconsistencies in her statement, and she later confessed to fabricating the kidnapping story. She was arrested on 19 November 2024 and has remained in custody since then.

BOY NOWHERE TO BE FOUND

Despite extensive police efforts, Mahanjana said that the boy has still not been found. "The investigation to find him and bring those involved to justice is ongoing. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) commends the ongoing investigative work by law enforcement and remains committed to ensuring justice for the victim in this distressing case," Lumka said. The case against the mother has been postponed to 27 January 2025 for further investigations. She has been remanded in custody until then.