VANDERBIJLPARK – A chilling tale of betrayal and deceit unfolded in the Vanderbijlpark Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 25 November 2024, as a 32-year-old woman stood accused of attempting to sell her two-year-old son into enslavement.
The woman, whose identity is being withheld to protect the minor, faces charges of conspiracy to commit robbery and providing false information to the police. According to Lumka Mahanjana, regional spokesperson for the Gauteng National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the allegations date back to 10 November when the accused reportedly negotiated a sale agreement for her child with unidentified individuals.
Just days later, on 13 November, the mother allegedly fabricated a kidnapping report, claiming her toddler had been abducted by unknown men in an unmarked vehicle. However, police investigations quickly unraveled her story, exposing it as a ruse. Under pressure, she confessed to orchestrating the elaborate cover-up.
“The child’s whereabouts remain unknown, and an intensive search is underway to locate him,” said Mahanjana.
The woman has been in custody since her arrest on 19 November. The court has postponed the case to 29 November for a formal bail hearing, with the prosecution strongly opposing her release.
This disturbing case has sent shockwaves through the community, igniting widespread outrage and calls for justice. The authorities continue their efforts to bring clarity to the situation and ensure the child’s safety.
As the nation watches this harrowing case unfold, it serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of children and the lengths some are willing to go for personal gain.
