A South African mother accused of selling her two-year-old son to unidentified individuals for R75,000, has reportedly given birth to twins while in custody.
Keneilwe Shabala was arrested on Nov. 10, 2024, after filing a false police report claiming her son had been kidnapped.
Upon investigation, she admitted to fabricating the story and was charged with human trafficking, conspiracy to commit robbery, and making a false statement to authorities.
According to South African media outlet IOL since her arrest, she has remained in custody as law enforcement continues to search for her missing child.
During her pregnancy, Shabala sought bail, citing inadequate medical care.
However, the prosecution opposed her application, arguing that she posed a flight risk and had already attempted to contact a state witness, potentially interfering with the investigation.
The magistrate denied her request, ruling that she remained a danger to her children, who could suffer a fate similar to her missing son.
The court also stated that she was receiving the necessary medical care in the prison maternity ward and noted that she was not the first woman to give birth while incarcerated.
Meanwhile, efforts to locate Shabala’s missing son continue.
Authorities are asking the South African public to assist with relevant information to crack the case.
The case has been postponed to April 7, 2025, for further investigations, and she is to remain in custody until then.
