In a case that has sent shockwaves across South Africa, a Cape Town mother has been sentenced to life in prison after being found guilty of trafficking her 6-year-old daughter. The ruling was handed down this week in a high court, where prosecutors detailed the harrowing abuse the child endured at the hands of those meant to protect her.
The mother, whose identity has been withheld to protect the minor, was found to have facilitated the exploitation of her daughter for financial gain. Authorities say the abuse came to light after a tip-off led to an intensive investigation by child protection services and police.
“The child was treated as a commodity,” said lead prosecutor Anika Malatji. “The betrayal was not only criminal—it was unimaginable cruelty.”
The court heard that the child was trafficked over several months before being rescued in a coordinated effort involving local police and a child welfare NGO. During sentencing, the judge called the mother’s actions “a grave violation of maternal duty and human decency.”
The young victim is now in the custody of social services and receiving specialized trauma care.
South African authorities praised the swift action of investigators and urged the public to remain vigilant in reporting suspected abuse. The case has renewed calls for stronger protections for children and harsher penalties for offenders involved in trafficking and exploitation.
“This sentence is a powerful message,” said Minister of Social Development Lindiwe Zulu. “South Africa will not tolerate crimes against our children.”
