BY ANTHONIA EMMANUEL
In a deeply disturbing case that has gripped South Africa and sparked outrage across the country, a woman has been handed a life sentence for the kidnapping and sale of her own child. Racquel “Kelly” Smith, 35, has been convicted for the trafficking of her six-year-old daughter, Joshlin Smith, who vanished in February 2024 from their home in Saldanha Bay, a quiet fishing town located roughly 135 kilometres north of Cape Town.
Joshlin, whose image became a heartbreaking symbol of the desperate search that followed her disappearance, has never been found. The young girl’s green eyes, bright smile, and brown pigtails were widely shared across social media and news outlets during the nationwide manhunt, which captured the sympathy of millions.
Initially, Kelly Smith portrayed herself as a grieving mother, appealing to the public for help in locating her daughter. However, the case took a shocking turn when prosecutors revealed that Smith had, in fact, played a central role in her daughter’s disappearance. Evidence presented in court indicated that she had sold the child for 20,000 South African rand (approximately $1,100) to a traditional healer. The alleged motive behind the sale was particularly chilling, the healer was reportedly interested in Joshlin due to her rare eye color and light skin tone.
Western Cape High Court Judge Nathan Erasmus, who presided over the trial, delivered a scathing judgment. He sentenced Smith and her two co-accused; her boyfriend and a mutual friend to life imprisonment for human trafficking. In addition, the trio received concurrent 10-year sentences for the kidnapping charges.
“I am also ordering the entry of your names into the Child Protection Register,” Judge Erasmus declared, underscoring the gravity of their crimes and the need to ensure they never have access to vulnerable children again.
During the court proceedings, Smith appeared emotionless, staring blankly as the sentences were read. Her demeanor stood in stark contrast to the national outcry and grief that followed her daughter’s disappearance more than a year ago.
At the height of the search for Joshlin, even government officials got involved. A senior cabinet minister publicly announced a one-million-rand reward (approximately $54,000) for any information that could lead to the child’s safe return. Sadly, despite the overwhelming support and exhaustive efforts, Joshlin remains missing.
This heartbreaking case has once again thrown a spotlight on the growing crisis of child trafficking and kidnapping in South Africa. The country continues to grapple with one of the highest crime rates globally, and the exploitation of children has become an increasingly pressing concern. Community leaders, activists, and child welfare organizations are now calling for stronger protective laws, more thorough background checks for caregivers, and broader public education campaigns to combat the rising tide of child-related crimes.
As the nation continues to seek justice for Joshlin and others like her, the court’s judgment stands as a stark warning and a solemn reminder of how vulnerable children remain, even in the care of those meant to love and protect them the most.
