Racquel ‘Kelly’ Smith and her partner have been sentenced to life for kidnapping and trafficking her 6-year-old daughter, Joshlin Smith, allegedly sold to a traditional healer for body parts. The child’s whereabouts remain unknown.
A South African mother has been sentenced to life in prison after being convicted of kidnapping and trafficking her six-year-old daughter, allegedly to sell her for her eyes and skin.
Racquel “Kelly” Smith and her boyfriend Jacquen Appollis were found guilty following a gripping six-week trial held at a community centre in Saldanha. The court heard disturbing testimony that Smith intended to sell her daughter, Joshlin Smith, to a traditional healer — a “sangoma” — for use in ritual practices.
One witness claimed Smith openly discussed selling her children for 20,000 rand (around £850) each, while another said she was willing to accept as little as $275 (£204) for Joshlin. The young girl vanished in February 2024, and despite massive search efforts, her fate remains unknown.
The case sparked national outrage and heartbreak, particularly because Smith initially gained public sympathy. Locals rallied in support when Joshlin went missing, scouring sand dunes around the family’s home in Middelpos — a poor settlement where the child lived with her mother, her mother’s partner, a sibling, and a half-sister.
At the time, Smith claimed she had left Joshlin in the care of Appollis the day she disappeared and had not seen her since. But her story unraveled under scrutiny.
Presiding Judge Nathan Erasmus made clear during sentencing that he believed Smith knew exactly what had happened to her daughter. “The conduct of Ms Smith is not that of a concerned parent,” he said in court. “In my mind, the only inference is that you knew.”
Judge Erasmus made no distinction between Smith, Appollis, and a third accomplice, Steveno van Rhyn, handing all three life sentences for human trafficking and an additional 10 years for kidnapping.
As the judge read out the verdict, the courtroom erupted in applause, reflecting the intense emotion surrounding the case. Outside, community members demanded justice, many stating that “a harsh sentence” was the only fitting outcome.
Joshlin’s grandmother, Amanda Smith-Daniels, gave a heart-wrenching plea ahead of sentencing: “Bring my grandchild back or tell me where she is.” Speaking to Newzroom Afrika, she expressed the deep sorrow that no punishment would bring her granddaughter back. “Any sentence they get won’t bring my grandchild back,” she said tearfully.
The trial closed with a video of Joshlin being shown in court, leaving many in the room in tears.
As of now, the search for Joshlin continues, though hopes of a resolution are growing faint. The haunting question of what truly happened to the little girl remains unanswered.
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