In a case that has shocked South Africa, Racquel “Kelly” Smith was sentenced to life imprisonment for trafficking her six-year-old daughter, Joshlin Smith. Smith, along with her boyfriend Jacquen Appollis and friend Steveno van Rhyn, was convicted of kidnapping and human trafficking after Joshlin went missing in February 2024. Despite extensive police efforts, the child remains missing. The case has drawn national and international attention, highlighting the serious issue of child trafficking in the country.
During the trial, witnesses testified that Smith had planned to sell Joshlin to a traditional healer for 20,000 rand, reportedly because the healer desired the child’s “eyes and skin.” A neighbor testified that Smith had admitted to selling her daughter for this purpose. Another witness, a pastor, stated that Smith had spoken about selling her children for 20,000 rand each. Judge Nathan Erasmus described Smith as manipulative and unremorseful, adding that drug use was no excuse for her actions. All three defendants also received 10-year kidnapping sentences, to run concurrently with their life sentences, and were added to the child protection register.
Smith’s mother, Amanda Daniels, who now cares for Smith’s other two children, expressed deep anguish over the tragedy. Authorities have expanded the search for Joshlin beyond South Africa, as the nation faces a surge in kidnapping cases, with over 17,000 reported incidents in the year ending March 2024. A reward of 1 million rand was also offered for Joshlin’s return.
This case underscores the urgent need for stronger measures to combat child trafficking and protect vulnerable children in South Africa. The sentencing of Smith and her accomplices serves as a reminder of the severe consequences of such crimes and the importance of vigilance and intervention to safeguard children’s rights and well-being.