VANDERBIJLPARK – The drama surrounding Keneiwe Shalaba seems to be far from over.

While the community of Boipatong is still perplexed by the allegations of the 32-year-old selling her two-year-old baby boy, the court heard that the mother might be seven months pregnant.

These allegations came into the spotlight when Shalaba was supposed to appear at the Vanderbijlpark Magistrate’s Court on Monday following her arrest on charges of human trafficking, conspiracy to commit robbery, and making a false statement to the police.

Shalaba’s lawyer broke the news to the presiding magistrate.

“I would like to plead for an extension for the appearance of my client who is downstairs at the moment. When I consulted with her just now, she said she was having medical problems as she is seven months pregnant,” he said.

The court has since allowed medical examinations on Shalaba following the claims, postponing the case to Friday, November 29 for a formal bail hearing.

Disappointed by the news, residents and relatives of Shalaba who packed the court gallery whispered in despair.

In a statement, the National Prosecuting Authority’s regional spokesperson, Lumka Mahanjana, confirmed the postponement and explained a few details regarding the case.

“The charges stem from allegations that the mother sold her two-year-old son to unidentified individuals on November 10. On November 13 she reported a false case to the police where she claimed that her son was kidnapped by unknown men driving a vehicle,” said the spokesperson.

According to Mahanjana, it was uncovered during the police investigation that the kidnapping claim was false.

“The woman later confessed to fabricating the story. She was subsequently arrested on November 19 and has been in custody since her arrest. The whereabouts of the child remains unknown, and police efforts to locate him are ongoing,” she said.

The State intends to oppose her bail application.