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Mother who sold six-year-old daughter given life term in South Africa
- On 29 May 2025, in the Western Cape High Court located in Saldanha Bay, Judge Nathan Erasmus handed down life sentences to three individuals convicted of kidnapping and trafficking a six-year-old girl, Joshlin Smith, including her mother and two accomplices.
- The case followed Joshlin's disappearance from Saldanha Bay in February 2024, which triggered a nationwide search and intense community impact, contributing to the court's decision for severe sentences.
- Prosecutors alleged Smith planned to sell Joshlin to a traditional healer for 20,000 rand due to the child's eyes and fair complexion, and the accused showed no remorse or compelling reasons for a lesser sentence.
- Judge Erasmus stated that there were no mitigating factors to justify a reduced sentence and imposed the maximum penalty, also directing that the accused be registered on the national Child Protection Register.
- The life sentences reflect the court's commitment to child protection amid rising kidnappings in South Africa, with the community recognized for its role in the case and ongoing efforts to find Joshlin.
198 Articles
198 Articles
South Africa: Justice Committee Welcomes Sentencing in Joshlin Smith Case
[SAnews.gov.za] Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development, Xola Nqola, has commended the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for securing life sentences for all three accused in the human trafficking case of six-year-old Joshlin Smith.
Famous to infamous: Joslin's mom Kelly Smith shocks the world
Kelly Smith’s claim that her daughter Joslin Smith has made her “famous” has backfired after she made headlines around the world for all the wrong reasons. This follows her life sentence for trafficking the little girl, who went missing last year. According to many publications, the Saldanha Bay mother allegedly sold her daughter to a sangoma for her green eyes, blonde hair, and fair skin. KELLY SMITH’S LIFE SENTENCE MAKES HEADLINES AROUND THE W…
The girl's mother showed no remorse whatsoever for the six-year-old's disappearance.
South African mother sells 6yo to healer wanting 'her eyes and skin,' finally meets the fate she deserves
A South African mother, Racquel “Kelly” Smith, has been sentenced to life in prison for the terrible crime of trafficking her six-year-old daughter, Joshlin Smith. The sentence also affected two accomplices, Jacquen Appollis and Steveno van Rhyn, who received the same life sentences for their part in the crime. The conviction of the three followed a shocking case that horrified the country and brought attention to the disturbing problem of child…
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