South Africa: The shocking case of the mother who sold her 6 -year -old daughter

The case of little Joshlin Smith, who mysteriously disappeared in February 2024 from her home in Saldanha Bay, near Cape Town in South Africacaused shock to the local community.

Her mother, Racquel « Kelly » Smith, her partner Jacquen Appollis and their friend Steveno van Rhyn, were found guilty after a long trial that revealed shocking details.

Although Joshlin has not yet been identified, authorities consider it sold for exploitation purposes – probably in slavery, According to the BBC.

‘No remorse’ – heavy indictment and equally heavy penalties

Judge Nathan Erasmus, during the decision, stressed that he did not distinguish between the three defendants.

He said that everyone is responsible for the same responsibility and sentenced each one to life imprisonment for human trafficking and an additional 10 years in prison for abduction. The verdict was welcomed by the attendees.

In his speech, the judge pointed out the complete lack of remorse, especially by Smith and Van Rhyn.

He emphasized the social damage caused by their actions in the Middelpos community, referring to residents « broken » by the loss of the child.

Smith, 35, both of her accomplices showed no emotion at all when the sentences were announced during a trial held at a Saldanha Center so that the public can attend.

Three People Convicted of Human Trafficking and Kidnapping Six-Year-old Joshlin Smith Were Sentenced to Life in Prison. pic.twitter.com/e5mhktgego

– The Instigator (@am_blujay) May 29, 2025

Shocking deposits

The case was based on more than 30 witness deposits. Among them were those of Lourentia Lombard, a friend and neighbor of Smith, who testified that her defendant had confused that she « made something stupid » and sold Joshlin to a traditional therapist, or « Shangoma ».

(Breaking News)

The Three People Convicted of Human Trafficking and Kidnapping in the Case of Six-Year-Old Joshlin Smith have sent to life imprisonment. pic.twitter.com/l1pqnwzxke

– SABC News (@sabcnews) May 29, 2025

According to Lombard, the buyer wanted the child for her « eyes and skin ».

The testimony of a local pastor was also catalytic, who said that Smith had intended to sell her children for 20,000 rades (about $ 1,100) each, while she was willing to accept lower amounts. A Joshlin teacher reported that Smith had revealed to her that the child was already « on a container on the way to West Africa. »

Some social workers who examined the case described Smith as manipulative and liar, and it was probably the brain behind the movement of her daughter.

Investigations continue – the family shocked

South African police assured that Joshlin’s search is ongoing inside and outside the border. West Coast Police Chief Thebis Patekile said that « we will not stop until we find out what happened ».

Joshlin’s grandmother, Amanda Smith-Daniels, speaking on a local show, appealed to her daughter to reveal the truth: « I don’t think any sentence will bring back my grandchild. » He said the disappearance had dissolved their family and asked Kelly Smith to terminate others for her actions.

Despite the heavy penalties, the excruciating question remains: Where is the little Joshlin?