A South African mother, Racquel “Kelly” Smith, has been sentenced to life imprisonment after being convicted of trafficking her six-year-old daughter, Joshlin Smith, who vanished in February 2024. The ruling, which also handed life terms to her boyfriend Jacquen Appollis and their associate Steveno van Rhyn, comes over a year since the girl disappeared from Saldanha Bay, near Cape Town.
Despite an extensive and emotional nationwide search, Joshlin has never been found. Prosecutors argue she was trafficked into slavery, though conclusive evidence pinpointing her final fate was not presented during trial.
The courtroom in Saldanha erupted in applause as Judge Nathan Erasmus delivered the life sentences, condemning the trio’s actions. “There is nothing redeeming or deserving of leniency,” he declared, noting their total lack of remorse and the deep emotional wound left on the Middelpos community, where Joshlin lived.
During the eight-week trial, more than 30 witnesses testified. Among the most damning accounts were those from Lourentia Lombaard, a friend and neighbor turned state witness, and a local pastor. Lombaard told the court that Smith confessed to selling Joshlin to a traditional healer, or “sangoma,” allegedly for her eyes and skin. The pastor testified that Smith previously mentioned a willingness to sell her children for as little as $275.
Further allegations revealed during the trial included Smith telling a teacher that her daughter was “already on a ship in a container heading to West Africa”.
Despite the disturbing testimony, Smith and her co-accused chose not to testify or present any defense. A court-assigned social worker described Smith as “manipulative” and potentially the mastermind behind the child trafficking scheme.
At sentencing, Joshlin’s grandmother, Amanda Smith-Daniels, expressed sorrow and frustration. “No sentence can bring back my grandchild,” she said, urging her daughter to reveal the truth and help bring closure to the family.
Law enforcement officials have pledged that the search for Joshlin will continue across borders. Western Cape police commissioner Thembisile Patekile vowed not to rest until they uncover her fate.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) praised the conviction, reaffirming that evidence proved Joshlin was handed over for exploitation, though the “intended buyer” remains unidentified.
This tragic case has left South Africans heartbroken and angry, highlighting ongoing concerns about child trafficking, drug abuse, and community neglect. As the nation reels from this harrowing ordeal, authorities remain committed to finding justice for Joshlin Smith.
