VANDERBIJLPARK – The Boipatong mother accused of selling her two-year-old son to unknown men in November last year has pleaded with the Vanderbijlpark Magistrate’s Court to release her on bail but will remain behind bars.

This comes after the court handed Keneilwe Shalaba’s bail application judgment on February 21.

Delivering the 32-year-old mother’s bail judgment in a courtroom packed to its knees, presiding magistrate Michael Tlale made it clear that Keneilwe was not going anywhere.

“Given the prima facie case against the applicant, the seriousness of the alleged offense, I believe that the applicant poses a threat to state witnesses given the nature of their relation,” Tlale explained.

“The refusal of bail is warranted as there are no exceptional circumstances which in the interest of justice permit her release on bail. I make the following order, the bail application is unsuccessful and therefore denied,” he said.

Keneilwe was arrested after allegations surfaced that she sold Kutlwano Shalaba.

Kutlwano’s whereabouts remain unknown and the search continues.

Keneilwe is facing charges of human trafficking, conspiracy to commit robbery, and making a false statement to the police. The case has been postponed to April 7.