A South African mother and two men have been sentenced to life imprisonment for trafficking and kidnapping six-year-old Joshlin Smith, who went missing from her home in Saldanha Bay on 19 February 2024.
Mother and Two Other Accomplices Received Life Sentence
Racquel “Kelly” Smith, 35, was found guilty alongside her partner, Jacquen Appollis, and an acquaintance, Steveno van Rhyn, after a trial that lasted eight weeks and wrapped up in May 2025.
All three received life sentences for human trafficking and an additional ten years for kidnapping, to be served concurrently, according to reports.
Child Last Seen at Home
On the day Joshlin disappeared, she and her older brother stayed home due to not having clean uniforms, as detailed during court proceedings.
Witness Laurentia Lombaard, who turned state witness, testified that she had been inside the shack that day smoking drugs with Appollis and Van Rhyn.
She said Joshlin had been left in their care while Smith came and went throughout the day, occasionally returning to smoke.
It is unclear how and when Joshlin went missing, but courts stated that it may have been around noon that day. The disappearance was only reported to police at 9 PM that evening, according to the BBC.
Witnesses Say Girl Was Sold to a Traditional Healer
Lombaard testified that Smith admitted to selling her daughter to a traditional healer, known locally as a ‘sangoma.’ She claimed the child was wanted specifically for her ‘eyes and skin.’
It is also believed that Smith sold Joshlin for money, likely to support her drug addiction.
Alleged Plans to Sell Child Shared in Court
Additionally, a local pastor testified that Smith had previously spoken about her intention to sell her children in 2023, naming a price of R20,000 (approx. S$1,440), though she allegedly indicated she would accept a lower amount.
In another testimony, a teacher stated that Smith told her during the search that Joshlin had already been shipped away in a container bound for West Africa.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), according to the BBC, stated that Joshlin was sold and transferred to a buyer for exploitation.
However, the buyer’s identity was not disclosed.
Judge Cites Lack of Remorse
During sentencing on 28 May 2025, Judge Nathan Erasmus said the accused showed no signs of regret.
He described Smith as someone who twisted the truth to suit her version of events, adding that there were no valid reasons to warrant a lighter sentence, The Guardian reported.
Their names have been entered into the child protection register.
The judge said the trio’s drug use was not an excuse for their actions and that their conduct had left the community fractured.
Joshlin Remains Missing
Despite the convictions, Joshlin’s whereabouts remain unknown. Police said that the search continues and has extended beyond South Africa’s borders.
Joshlin’s Background and Early Life
Joshlin Smith was born in October 2017 to Racquel “Kelly” Smith and her former partner, Jose Emke. She was the middle child, with one older brother and a younger half-sister.
According to court statements, her older brother is now in the care of their grandmother, Amanda Smith-Daniels, while her younger sister lives with her biological father.
Featured photos via Executive Mayor Andrè Truter and The Guardian
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