A 32-year-old Gauteng woman who allegedly sold her two-year-old son to unknown individuals will remain in custody until she possibly applies for a bail application on Friday, November 29.

The unnamed woman appeared in the Vanderbijlpark Magistrates’ Court on Monday on charges of human trafficking, conspiracy to commit robbery, and making a false statement to the police.

Lumka Mahanjana, National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Regional Spokesperson for Gauteng Division, has confirmed the woman allegedly sold the child to unknown people on Sunday, November 10, and three days later reported the case.

“The charges stem from allegations that, on 10 November 2024, the mother sold her two-year-old son to unidentified individuals. On 13 November 2024, she allegedly reported a false case to the police, claiming that her son had been kidnapped by unknown men in a vehicle,” she said in a statement.

Mahanjana also indicated that despite appearing in court, some information, including her name, will not be revealed due to the sensitive nature of the case.

“During the police investigation, it was uncovered that the kidnapping claim was false. The woman later confessed to fabricating the story. She was subsequently arrested on 19 November 2024 and has been in custody since her arrest. The whereabouts of the child remains unknown, and police efforts to locate him are ongoing.”

“The case has been postponed to 29 November 2024 for a possible bail application, and the State intends to oppose her release on bail,’’ she added.