Mom’s disturbing act explained.
A South African woman has been sentenced after being found guilty of kidnapping and trafficking her six-year-old daughter, Joshlin Smith.
Smith’s betrayal highlighted.
The full backstory shows a disturbing pattern of exploitation, manipulation, and betrayal by Smith.
Racquel ‘Kelly’ Smith’s life spiraled amid financial struggles and associations with dangerous individuals.
Friends revealed Smith’s increasing desperation, reportedly turning to Appollis and van Rhyn for help.
Rumors circulated in their community about the mother’s involvement with traditional healers and shady deals.
Shocking disappearance profiled.
Joshlin vanished in February 2024, disappearing outside her home in Saldanha Bay near Cape Town.
Despite extensive searches, Joshlin remains missing, fueling a desperate hunt.
The mother, Racquel ‘Kelly’ Smith, her boyfriend Jacquen Appollis, and friend Steveno van Rhyn stood trial accused of selling Joshlin to a sangoma, or traditional healer.
The chilling reason? The buyer allegedly wanted Joshlin for her eyes and skin.
Shocking details in child trafficking case unveiled.
Over 30 witnesses gave testimony during the harrowing trial, held at White City Multipurpose Centre.
The trial lasted eight weeks, ending with a dramatic sentencing on May 29.
One state witness, neighbor Lourentia Lombaard, testified that Smith admitted to selling Joshlin for 20,000 rand — about $1,100.
Lombaard said Smith revealed the buyer wanted the child’s unique eyes and skin.
A local pastor claimed he overheard Smith in 2023 negotiating the sale of her children.
The mother reportedly mentioned sums ranging from $275 up to $1,100 for her children.
Even Joshlin’s teacher added to the horror, stating Smith once said the child was ‘inside a ship container’ en route to West Africa.
Smith’s boyfriend, Appollis, was reportedly the middleman in the transaction to the sangoma.
Shocking sentence confirmed.
Van Rhyn’s role appeared to be that of an accomplice, assisting with the kidnapping.
Authorities pieced together the tangled web through witness testimonies and investigative work.
Judge Nathan Erasmus showed no mercy, sentencing all three to life imprisonment.
Erasmus said, “On the human trafficking charge, you are sentenced to life imprisonment.”
The kidnapping charge added an additional 10 years to each sentence.
The National Prosecuting Authority confirmed this verdict proves Joshlin was sold and delivered for exploitation akin to slavery.
Western Cape police commissioner Thembisile Patekile vowed the search for Joshlin is ongoing and tireless.
“We will not rest until we find out what happened to Joshlin,” Patekile said.
The community remains on edge as the fate of Joshlin is still unknown.
Tragic case sheds light on growing child trafficking crisis.
The case has spotlighted the dark underbelly of child trafficking in South Africa.
Experts warn this is not an isolated incident but part of a larger trafficking network.
Human rights advocates have called for tougher laws and more resources to prevent similar cases.
Meanwhile, Joshlin’s story haunts everyone involved and has gone viral internationally.
The judge’s sentence marks a legal milestone but offers little comfort as Joshlin remains missing.
The breaking news: Racquel ‘Kelly’ Smith and her co-accused have been sentenced to life in prison — but the search for Joshlin, and justice for her, continues.