South African Mother receives life sentence for trafficking Daughter Joshlin, Who remains missing
A mother’s chilling plot to sell her daughter for ritual sacrifice has rocked South Africa, uncovering a dark web of child exploitation, legal shortcomings, and a desperate search for justice in the case of missing 6-year-old Joshlin Smith.
South African mom Racquel "Kelly" Smith was in May 2025 given life for trafficking missing 6-year-old Joshlin Smith. Along with her boyfriend, Jacquen Appollis, and friend, Steveno van Rhyn, Smith was also given an additional 10 years for kidnapping. Joshlin disappeared from her Saldanha Bay home in February 2024 and remains missing. During the trial, a neighbor gave evidence that Smith had admitted selling her daughter to a traditional healer for her "eyes and skin." A pastor gave evidence that Smith had spoken about selling her children for 20,000 rand each.
Judge Nathan Erasmus, who handled the case, testified that Smith showed no regret for what she had done. He noted the gravity of the offense and the lack of mitigating factors, adding that the harshest possible sentence was warranted. It was reported that the courtroom burst into cheers upon the delivery of the verdicts. Joshlin's whereabouts remain unknown even after the convictions, and the case has highlighted in a big way in South Africa issues of child exploitation and human trafficking.
Joshlin Smith case highlights child trafficking surge in South Africa
The investigation revealed disturbing trends of Smith's plans and actions before Joshlin's disappearance. Eyewitness testimony indicated that Smith had planned to sell her daughter to a traditional healer, also known as a sangoma, who was apparently in search of the child for ritual purposes. Smith's neighbor recounted how Smith had attempted to bribe her with cash not to talk about the planned scheme. Moreover, Joshlin's instructor swore that Smith had asserted that the girl was being shipped out to West Africa in a shipping container.
The authorities apprehended a woman who is suspected to be the healer accused in the case, but she was later released due to a lack of concrete evidence. The case has brought into question the challenges facing law enforcement agencies in combating human trafficking and child exploitation. Kidnapping cases have been increasing in South Africa, with over 17,000 reported during the 2023/2024 financial year, an 11% increase from the previous financial year.
Smith case sparks outcry over child protection and Human trafficking laws
The judgment in the Smith and her accomplices' case has created doubts about how efficiently legal action can play its role in protecting children and ensuring that such heinous crimes do not take place. People want the law to be enforced more effectively against human trafficking and more protection for vulnerable groups. The case is an eye-opener regarding the dangers of exploitation and a need to be more vigilant in protecting children's rights.
As the quest to find Joshlin continues, her family and community hope to see her back home safely. The case has served to amplify the demand for human trafficking awareness and the need for wholesome methods to put an end to it. The authorities are requesting anyone with information about Joshlin's whereabouts to come forward, while emphasizing every lead counts in the ongoing investigation.
