Vanderbijlpark – A mother’s desperate plea for help in locating her missing two-year-old son has taken a shocking turn, with the mother herself now facing serious charges related to his disappearance.
Keneilwe Shalaba (32), from Boipatong, appeared in the Vanderbijlpark Magistrate’s Court this week, charged under the Prevention and Combating of Trafficking in Persons Act, and with conspiracy to commit a crime.
On November 13th, Shalaba reported to Boipatong police that her son, Kutloano, had been snatched from her back by three individuals in a silver-grey VW Polo as she exited a taxi. She described a dramatic scene, claiming the vehicle sped away after the incident, leaving her distraught and crying for help. This triggered a massive manhunt involving police working tirelessly to locate the missing child.
However, as days turned into weeks, and despite the extensive search, suspicions began to grow. The investigation took an unexpected turn when Shalaba herself was arrested on Monday, November 19th. This arrest has left many questioning whether the initial kidnapping report was a fabrication, raising concerns about the child's safety and well-being.
Appearing in court on Thursday, Shalaba sat quietly in the dock, wearing a striped blue-and-white blouse. Her demeanour reflected a mix of misery and exhaustion. She declined the services of a state-appointed legal representative, opting instead to hire a private attorney.
The case was adjourned until Monday to allow the state time to verify crucial information. Shalaba remains in custody, and a formal bail application is expected. Boipatong police spokesperson Sergeant Thembeka Maxambela confirmed that the investigation is ongoing.
According to NPA regional spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana, the police investigation revealed that Shalaba's kidnapping claim was false. Mahanjana stated that Shalaba subsequently confessed to fabricating the story. The charges against her now include human trafficking, conspiracy to commit robbery, and making a false statement to the police. The case has been postponed to November 29th for a possible bail application, which the state intends to oppose.
While Shalaba remains in custody, the whereabouts of little Kutloano remain unknown, adding another layer of complexity and concern to this already disturbing case. The police continue their efforts to locate the child, and the investigation into his disappearance continues.
