Mother Who Sold 6-Year-Old Daughter Sentenced to Life in Prison
In a landmark case that has shocked South Africa, a woman convicted of kidnapping and trafficking her six-year-old daughter has been sentenced to life in prison, along with her two co-accused.
Racquel “Kelly” Smith, her boyfriend Jacquen Appollis, and their friend Steveno van Rhyn received life sentences after a Western Cape High Court ruling found them guilty of trafficking and kidnapping young Joshlin Smith, who vanished in February 2024 from Saldanha Bay.
Despite a massive search and national outrage, the young girl has never been found. The sentencing comes after a dramatic six-week trial filled with disturbing revelations and emotional public response.
Judge Nathan Erasmus, who presided over the trial, handed down the sentences to loud applause from the courtroom gathered at a community center to allow local residents to witness proceedings. He stated: “On the human trafficking charge, you are sentenced to life imprisonment. On the kidnapping charge, you are sentenced to 10 years imprisonment.”
The court painted a grim picture of betrayal and greed. Smith was accused of orchestrating the sale of her daughter to a traditional healer—allegedly for ritualistic purposes. Witnesses testified that she had previously spoken of selling her children for as little as 5,000 rand ($275).
The most damning testimony came from Smith’s former friend and neighbor, Lourentia Lombaard, who turned state witness. Lombaard recounted a chilling confession in which Smith admitted to selling Joshlin to a “sangoma”—a traditional healer—who was said to want the girl for her eyes and skin.
A pastor also testified that Smith had discussed selling her children back in 2023. And a teacher reported that Smith had told her Joshlin was already inside a container ship bound for West Africa.
None of the three accused testified in their defense. Instead, they remained silent throughout the trial and refused to call any witnesses. Social workers and prosecutors described Smith as manipulative and unremorseful, with one report labeling her the “mastermind” behind the trafficking.
Joshlin’s grandmother, Amanda Smith-Daniels, said the family remains devastated. “I don’t feel that any sentence they get will bring my grandchild back,” she told Newzroom Afrika. She pleaded once again with her daughter to reveal the child’s whereabouts.
Western Cape police commissioner Thembisile Patekile assured the public that the search for Joshlin will continue: “We will not rest until we find what happened to Joshlin. We are continuing day and night looking for her.”
The tragic case has left the Middelpos community fractured, with emotions running high and widespread calls for justice. While the sentencing has provided a sense of accountability, the lingering question remains: where is Joshlin Smith?
In other news:Petition Filed to Stop Arrest of Rigathi Gachagua
Mother Who Sold 6-Year-Old Daughter Sentenced to Life in Prison