A South African court has handed down a life sentence to a mother for the kidnapping and selling of her six-year-old daughter, a case that has sent shockwaves throughout the nation.
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Joshlin Smith disappeared in February last year from her home in Saldanha Bay, a picturesque fishing town located 135 kilometers north of Cape Town. Tragically, she has never been found.
Racquel “Kelly” Smith, the girl’s mother, was found guilty of both kidnapping and trafficking her daughter, reportedly selling her for a sum of 20,000 rand (approximately €990).
Judge Nathan Erasmus not only sentenced the 35-year-old Smith, but also her two accomplices—a boyfriend and a mutual friend—to life in prison for their roles in this abhorrent act of human trafficking. He remarked, “I am also ordering the entry of your names to the child protection register.”
Continuing his statement, Judge Erasmus emphasized, “There is nothing that I can find that is redeeming and deserving of a lesser sentence than the harshest I can impose.” His words resonated in the courtroom, affirming the gravity of the situation.
Smith attended the hour-long court session with an expressionless demeanor. The judge cited her manipulative behavior and lack of remorse, stating that she showed “no indication of concern” regarding Joshlin’s disappearance.
The verdict was met with applause from those present, including Joshlin’s grandmother, Amanda Smith-Daniels, who wore a white shirt adorned with images of her beloved granddaughter.
Initially, Smith was viewed with sympathy when her daughter went missing, prompting an extensive nationwide search. Photos showcasing Joshlin’s striking green eyes, warm smile, and playful brown pigtails circulated widely, capturing the nation’s heart.
The case drew significant media attention, leading to a minister offering a one-million-rand reward for Joshlin’s safe return. However, the narrative shifted drastically when prosecutors revealed allegations that Smith had sold her child to a traditional healer who was interested in the girl’s unique physical traits.
While Judge Erasmus refrained from disclosing the identity of the individual who purchased Joshlin, or the intentions behind the transaction, the escalating nature of the case stirred considerable unease.
The trial, which commenced in March, included testimony from various witnesses, such as Joshlin’s teacher and a pastor, who recalled Smith discussing the planned sale of her daughter in early 2023.
In response to the ongoing crisis of child abductions, police have expanded their search efforts beyond South Africa’s borders. The nation faces alarming statistics, with over 17,000 kidnappings reported in the 2023/2024 financial year—a staggering 11% increase from the previous year. Notably, these statistics do not specify the ages of the victims, underscoring a broader societal issue.
As South Africa grapples with these challenges, one thing is crystal clear: the need for heightened vigilance and community involvement is more pressing than ever.
“Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring.”
