NATIONAL NEWS - A shocking revelation surfaced during the continuation of Keneilwe Shalaba’s bail application, reports Sedibeng Ster.

Yesterday, the investigating officer probing the multiple charges against the 32-year-old — including the kidnapping of her two-year-old Kutlwano Shalaba — revealed that the mother of three allegedly received a whopping R75 000 into her account moments after reporting her son had been kidnapped.

Keneilwe is facing charges of human trafficking, conspiracy to commit an offence, and making a false statement to the police.

During the dramatic proceedings at the Vanderbijlpark Magistrate’s Court, Sergeant George Motloung said Keneilwe acknowledged receiving the funds.

The suspicious timing of the financial windfall has raised questions about her involvement in her son’s disappearance.

Kutlwano was reported missing in November last year, sparking a frantic search by Boipatong police.

This comes after Keneilwe claimed Kutlwano was snatched from her back by a trio travelling in a silver-grey VW Polo while she was walking in Batloung Street.

However, investigations uncovered that she may have sold her son and reported the case to divert attention.

Speaking during his testimony, Motloung said: “We managed to get her banking record. We know how much was deposited on the same day she alleged the child was kidnapped. R75 000 were deposited into her account on the same day she opened a kidnapping case.”

Giving reasons why Keneilwe should not be granted bail, Motloung said the pregnant mother is a danger to the community. She is currently nine months pregnant.

“The applicant is a danger to children. If given bail, there’s a likelihood that the ones she is carrying [twins] might go through the same as the two-year-old,” said the investigating officer.

Motloung stated that Keneilwe would interfere with the investigation if released on bail.

“The same day she opened a case, she contacted another state witness, saying she must contact the father of the missing child and ask him to deposit R40 000 for Kutlwano’s release. She also told one of the people she went to Durban with that if the police asked if she was with her son, she should say yes. She said she would pay the person and do anything for her,” said Motloung.

Closing his testimony, Motloung said the state has a strong case against Keneilwe.

“We still need some records, but we are prioritising the matter. We don’t rest,” he said.

Article: Caxton publication, The Citizen

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