By Emmanuel Dominic 
Life Behind Bars: Mother Sentenced for Horrific Act of Selling Child
A South African woman, Racquel “Kelly” Smith, has been sentenced to life in prison for trafficking her 6-year-old daughter, Joshlin Smith, who has been missing since February 2024. Smith, along with her boyfriend Jacquen Appollis and friend Steveno van Rhyn, was convicted of kidnapping and human trafficking. The trio was sentenced to life imprisonment for trafficking and an additional 10 years for kidnapping.
The case shocked the nation when it was revealed that Smith had sold her daughter to a traditional healer, or “sangoma,” for approximately $1,000. The healer allegedly sought Joshlin for her “eyes and skin” for use in ritual medicine. Despite extensive investigations, Joshlin remains missing, and the exact circumstances of her disappearance remain unclear .
The trial, held in a sports center in Saldanha Bay to accommodate the community, saw public outrage and support for the victim. Judge Nathan Erasmus emphasized the severity of the crime, stating there was nothing redeeming to warrant a lighter sentence
This case highlights the ongoing issue of child trafficking and the need for heightened vigilance and protective measures for children worldwide.
