South African Court Convicts Mother of Missing Girl Joshlin Smith for Kidnapping and Trafficking
Cape Town, May 2, 2025 — More than a year after six-year-old Joshlin Smith went missing in Saldanha Bay, South Africa, her mother Kelly Smith, along with two co-accused, has been convicted of kidnapping and trafficking the child.
The ruling was handed down on Friday at Saldanha’s Multipurpose Centre, which served as the trial venue to ensure public accessibility. Alongside Kelly Smith, her boyfriend Jacquen Appollis and their friend Steveno van Rhyn were also found guilty. All three had previously pleaded not guilty.
Despite exhaustive search efforts and nationwide attention, Joshlin remains missing since she disappeared in February 2024.
Allegations of Ritual Trafficking
During the trial, prosecutors alleged that Kelly Smith had “sold, delivered, or exchanged” her daughter. Testimony from state witness Lourentia Lombaard, a neighbor and former friend, shocked the court. She claimed Smith told her she had done “something silly” and sold Joshlin to a traditional healer, or sangoma, reportedly for her eyes and skin.
Another witness, a local pastor, said Smith had previously discussed selling each of her three children for as little as $275. Joshlin’s teacher also testified that Smith confessed her daughter was already “on a ship headed to West Africa.”
Smith’s legal team, led by Rinesh Sivnarain, dismissed these claims as inconsistent and branded Lombaard an “opportunist.” Despite the defense’s objections, the jury delivered a guilty verdict, prompting emotional reactions in the packed courtroom — Smith cried, while van Rhyn smiled inexplicably.
Public Reaction and Legal Implications
The courtroom burst into applause as the verdict was read. Outside, police had blocked roads and tightened security ahead of the announcement, highlighting the intense public interest the case has attracted.
While sangomas are recognized under South African law, some have been linked to illicit and exploitative practices, including the use of human body parts in so-called traditional rituals.
The absence of Joshlin’s body and the deeply disturbing nature of the allegations have reignited conversations about child protection, particularly in vulnerable, low-income communities.
Local residents in Middelpos, where Joshlin lived, continue to express fear for their own children’s safety more than a year after her disappearance.
What’s Next?
The three convicted individuals await sentencing. Meanwhile, authorities and advocacy groups continue to call for stronger safeguards against child trafficking and better support systems for at-risk families.
