By World Now, Global Correspondent
Date: May 31, 2025
Saldanha Bay, South Africa — In a case that has shocked the nation and drawn international condemnation, a South African woman has been sentenced to life imprisonment for selling her six-year-old daughter, Joshlin Smith, to a traditional healer. The child remains missing since her disappearance in February 2024.
A Heinous Crime Unveiled
Racquel “Kelly” Smith, 35, was convicted alongside her boyfriend, Jacquen Appollis, and their friend, Steveno van Rhyn, on charges of human trafficking and kidnapping. Each received a life sentence for trafficking and an additional 10 years for kidnapping, to be served concurrently.
The trial, held in a community sports center in Saldanha Bay to accommodate public interest, revealed that Smith sold her daughter for 20,000 rand (approximately $1,100) to a traditional healer, or “sangoma,” who allegedly sought the child’s body parts for ritualistic purposes.
Public Outrage and Judicial Rebuke
Judge Nathan Erasmus, presiding over the case, condemned the trio’s actions, stating there was “nothing redeeming” about their conduct and emphasizing their lack of remorse. He dismissed drug addiction as a mitigating factor, highlighting the calculated nature of the crime.
The courtroom erupted in applause upon the sentencing, reflecting the community’s relief and anger over the betrayal of a child’s trust by her own mother.
Ongoing Search and Broader Implications
Despite extensive search efforts, Joshlin remains missing. Authorities have expanded the investigation beyond South Africa’s borders, underscoring the severity of human trafficking in the region.
The case has highlighted the alarming rise in child kidnappings in South Africa, with over 17,000 reported incidents in the year ending March 2024, marking an 11% increase from the previous year.
A Nation’s Grief and Resolve
Joshlin’s grandmother, Amanda Daniels, now cares for Smith’s other two children. She expressed profound sorrow over the loss and betrayal, stating, “I never imagined my own daughter could do this.”
The National Prosecuting Authority praised the sentence as a significant step in combating human trafficking and protecting vulnerable children.
As the search for Joshlin continues, the case serves as a stark reminder of the horrors of child trafficking and the imperative for vigilant protection of children’s rights worldwide.
