A South African woman has been charged with human trafficking after allegedly trying to sell a child for 5,000 rand ($525) on the trading website Gumtree, police say.
The 20-year-old was arrested during an undercover operation following a tip-off from a member of the public.
"We met her and there was an exchange of money with an undercover police officer," Hangwani Mulaudzi, spokesman for the Hawks special crimes investigation unit said.
The 19-month-old boy was in good health and has been taken into care by social workers.
"What we have already ascertained is that the baby is not hers and the baby is now with the care of social workers," Mr Mulaudzi said.
"We are trying to ascertain where this baby comes from and what exactly were this woman's intentions."
Gumtree spokeswoman said in a statement their customer service team was alerted that the ad had been placed on their site.
"The team immediately removed the ad and blocked the user's account," she said.
"[We] escalated the issue to the corporate office that engages law enforcement on suspected criminal cases."
The woman appeared in court in Pietermaritzburg Magistrates Court on human trafficking charges.
Her case was adjourned until October 26.
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