In a shocking incident from Mabopane, South Africa, a woman reportedly sold her eight-month-old son via Facebook Marketplace, citing severe financial hardship as her motivation. The mother, whose identity remains undisclosed, has since expressed deep remorse for her actions. The case has sparked widespread condemnation and discussions about societal pressures and child welfare.
The Facebook Marketplace Transaction
As reported, the incident occurred in October when the mother linked up with a potential buyer via the platform. They arranged to meet at Soshanguve Plaza near Pretoria, where the child was transferred to the buyer. The buyer allegedly departed with the baby in a taxi, promising to pay the mother 1,000 South African Rand (approximately ₹4,600) each month to support her until she regained financial stability. However, the payments were never fulfilled, and the buyer could not be located.
Mother’s Regret and Legal Trouble
Speaking to SNL 24, the mother revealed her regret, saying, “I was struggling financially to raise my child. I regret my actions and want my child back. I love him.” She admitted that her desperation led to a grave mistake and expressed remorse for not seeking help from social workers instead. “What I did was wrong, and I regret taking that path,” she said.
The woman was arrested on October 19 on charges of child trafficking and later produced in the Ga-Rankuwa Magistrate Court. She has since been granted bail, with the next hearing scheduled for February next year.
Partner Claims Paternity
Adding another layer to the case, the woman’s 25-year-old partner, a resident of Soshanguve, has stepped forward, claiming to be the father of the child. He stated that he was unaware of the sale, as the couple was not living together at the time. “I thought she had sent the child to her family,” he explained.
Legal and Social Implications
Captain Tintswalo, a spokesperson for the Gauteng Police, confirmed the registration of a child trafficking case. The North West National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) revealed that the woman had advertised the baby online, sparking concerns over how social platforms are used for such purposes.
This incident has ignited calls for stricter monitoring of online marketplaces and improved support systems for financially distressed parents. While the mother awaits her trial, her plea for the return of her child continues to draw mixed reactions.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by vulnerable families and the need for accessible social support systems to prevent such desperate actions.