CAPE TOWN – A 39-year-old woman from Parkwood has appeared in the Wynberg Magistrates Court, accused of selling her 15-year-old daughter to a neighbour for sexual exploitation in exchange for money to buy milk. The arrest has caused outrage, particularly after text messages revealing the mother's alleged involvement were discovered by a relative.
The case initially came to light a week prior when the 15-year-old girl reported being raped by her neighbour. The Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) unit opened a docket, leading to the arrest and charging of a 55-year-old male suspect. He was subsequently sent to Pollsmoor Prison after his appearance in the Wynberg Magistrates Court.
However, the investigation took a shocking turn when the girl and her aunt returned to the police station on Friday. The source revealed that text messages on the girl's phone provided evidence that the mother was aware of her daughter's sexual exploitation and had, in fact, facilitated it for financial gain.
"The messages on the phone showed proof that the mother knew what was happening and in fact sent her to sleep with the adult man for money," the source stated. "It appears the mother was using her and you can even see the mother wanted money for milk. This is when the case of sexual assault was opened against the mother and she was arrested in Parkwood."
Adding to the intrigue, the source noted a striking resemblance between the arrested mother and Kelly Smith, the mother of missing Joshlin Smith, which drew attention from curious police officers. "When she was arrested everyone got such a skrik because she looks just like Kelly [Smith]. Many people asked her how she can do this as a mother."
Police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg confirmed the arrests, stating: "In response to your media enquiry kindly be advised that a 39-year-old female and a 55-year-old male were arrested on sexual assault charges. They will appear in the Wynberg Magistrates court on Tuesday 29 April 2025 on the mentioned charges."
The Grassy Park Community Police Forum stated that they were unable to comment on the arrest as they had not been informed of the incident.
Caroline Peters of the Callas Foundation expressed her horror at the details of the case.
Peters said: "This is heartbreaking and horrifying. A mother’s role is to protect and nurture her child, but in this case, she became a perpetrator of unimaginable betrayal and harm. Selling a 15-year-old girl is a form of trafficking and abuse. It is a crime against the child’s body, mind, and soul. She deserves justice, healing, and all the support to rebuild her life after such deep violation."
Peters further revealed that the Callas Foundation has encountered similar cases in the past, where victims only disclose the abuse years later due to trauma.
She added: "We have seen cases like this before where teen girls are sold to generate an income for the household and so many times they are so traumatised they don’t speak for years and it comes out later. Many of them are made to feel guilty if they say no because their siblings will suffer."
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