South African Mother Regrets Selling 8-Month-Old Son On Facebook, Now Pleads For Return – News18
Last Updated:
The transaction occurred in October when the woman exchanged contact details with a prospective buyer.
Her actions have resulted in allegations of child trafficking.
In South Africa, a woman from Mabopane, identified through reports but unnamed publicly, sold her 8-month-old son via Facebook Marketplace, allegedly due to severe financial struggles. Her actions, described as motivated by desperation, have called for widespread condemnation and discussions on societal pressures.
According to a report by Mirror, the transaction occurred in October when the woman exchanged contact details with a prospective buyer through Facebook. The two later met at Soshanguve Plaza, near Pretoria, where the child was handed over. The buyer left with the child in a taxi. The mother, who admitted to acting out of financial distress, expressed deep remorse for her actions just a week later, seeking to reunite with her child. She shared her regret in an interview with SNL 24, saying, “I was struggling financially to raise my child. I regret my actions and want my child back. I love him.”
Her actions have resulted in allegations of child trafficking, a grave offense that further complicates her plea for her child’s return. Authorities are likely investigating the case, as selling a child is not only illegal but deeply unethical. The woman stated that the buyer of her child resides near Orange Farm in Johannesburg. During their last conversation, she confessed her fear of being arrested and admitted her wrongdoing. In a poignant acknowledgment, she said, “I should have taken my child to social workers. What I did was wrong, and I regret taking that path.” Reflecting on her time spent in jail following her arrest, she described it as a harrowing experience, adding, “There is no freedom in jail. I was eating only twice a day.”
Adding to the complexity, her 25-year-old partner from Soshanguve has claimed paternity of the child. He asserted that the child was his and explained that the woman lacked the financial means to care for the baby. He admitted to being unaware of her actions at the time, as they were not living together. “I thought she had sent the child to her family,” he said.
Captain Tintswalo, spokesperson of Gauteng Police, South Africa, said, “A case of child trafficking was registered against the woman on October 19 and she was arrested on the same day. After this, she was produced at Ga-Rankuwa Magistrate Court on October 21.” North West National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Siwenthi Gunya revealed that it has been alleged that the woman advertised to sell her child on Facebook Marketplace and another woman showed interest in buying the child. She took the child and promised to give the mother 1000 South African Rand (about Rs 4600) every month until she stands on her feet. But she did not pay the money and could not be traced.” However, the woman got bail from the court and the next hearing in this case will be in February next year.
Discover more from Divya Bharat 🇮🇳
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
