South African mother sentenced to life in prison for selling her six-year-old da

The case of Joshlin Smith, a six-year-old South African girl who was kidnapped and trafficked by her own mother and two accomplices, has concluded with the sentencing of all three individuals to life in prison. Racquel "Kelly" Smith, her boyfriend Jacquen Appollis, and friend Steveno van Rhyn were found guilty of the crimes following an eight-week trial that was widely covered by South African media. Despite the intense search efforts and the convictions, the little girl has still not been found.

Joshlin disappeared outside her home in Saldanha Bay in February 2024, prompting a high-profile search and investigation. The court heard chilling details of the mother's willingness to sell her daughter for as little as $275 to a traditional healer, who allegedly wanted her for her eyes and skin.

The sentencing has brought some form of closure for the community of Middelpos, where Joshlin lived, but the pain of her loss remains. Her grandmother, Amanda Smith-Daniels, has called on her daughter to reveal the girl's whereabouts, saying that no punishment can undo the damage done to their family.

The South African authorities have pledged to continue searching for Joshlin, both within the country and internationally, as they seek to bring her home or find out what happened to her. The case has highlighted the issue of human trafficking, particularly involving children, which remains a significant problem in South Africa and across the world.

BBC