Keneilwe Shalaba (32) appeared in the Vanderbijlpark Magistrate’s Court on Friday (29/11) and abandoned her bail application and she was remanded in custody until her next court appearance.

Shalaba is facing charges of human trafficking, conspiracy to commit robbery, and providing false information to the police.

“The accused abandoned her bail application on Friday (29/11) and was remanded in custody,” said Gauteng NPA spokesperson Lumka Mahinjana. “Investigations by police revealed inconsistencies in her statement, and she later confessed to fabricating the kidnapping story.”

“Despite extensive police efforts, the location of the two-year-old boy remains unknown. The investigation to find him and bring those involved to justice is ongoing.”

It is alleged that on Sunday, 10 November, Shalaba sold Kutlwano Shalaba (2). On Wednesday, 13 November, she opened a case of kidnapping at the Boipatong police station, claiming her son was snatched from her back by a group of three men who fled the scene in a silver VW Polo.

She was arrested on Tuesday, 19 November after police investigations revealed that there was no kidnapping and she allegedly confessed to lying to the police.

Police are still searching for Kutlwano Shalaba (2). Photo supplied

During the court proceedings on Monday (25/11), Shalaba declined a state legal representative and opted to appoint a private attorney.

Times Live reports Shalaba informed her landlord three days before the two-year-old’s disappearance that she was heading to Durban to buy clothing to sell. That was the last time the landlord and neighbours saw Kutlwano. “The NPA commends the ongoing investigative work by police and remains committed to ensuring justice for the victim in this distressing case,” said Mahinjana.

Police urge anyone with information on Kutlwano’s whereabouts to contact Sgt Thembeka Maxambela on 079 695 1338 or Crime Stop on 08600 10111.

OFM News/Zenande Mpame cg