A mother in South Africa has been sentenced to life in prison after she kidnapped and sold her six-year-old daughter. Kelly Smith, also known as Racquel Chantel Smith, was convicted alongside her boyfriend, Jacquen Appollis, and their friend, Steveno Van Rhyn, in connection with the disappearance of Joshlin Smith from Saldanha Bay.
The case drew significant attention when Joshlin went missing last year. Despite a nationwide search, the young girl has not been found. During the trial, a witness testified that Smith had claimed to have sold her daughter to a sangoma, a traditional healer, for 20,000 rand, roughly £830. The witness also noted that the girl was sought for her "eyes and skin."
In the early days of the investigation, Smith received sympathy from the community, with neighbors assisting in the search for Joshlin. However, as the investigation progressed, suspicions grew against her and the others involved. Smith claimed she left Joshlin with Appollis on the day of her disappearance, but evidence suggested otherwise.
Court documents revealed that Smith had allegedly planned to sell not only Joshlin but also her two other children. On the day Joshlin vanished, she and her mother were seen getting into a white vehicle carrying a bag of clothes.
Judge Nathan Erasmus, who announced the sentences, emphasized that drug use by the defendants did not excuse their actions. He stated, "There is nothing that I can find that is redeeming and deserving of a lesser sentence than the harshest I can impose."
The case highlights serious issues of child trafficking and exploitation, raising concerns about the safety of children in vulnerable situations. As the community continues to grapple with the tragedy of Joshlin’s disappearance, many are left hoping for answers and justice.