Faith Nyasuguta
In a case that deeply shocked South Africa, Racquel “Kelly” Smith, 35, has been sentenced to life imprisonment for trafficking her six-year-old daughter, Joshlin Smith, who vanished in February 2024 and remains missing. Smith’s boyfriend, Jacquen Appollis, and friend, Steveno van Rhyn, were also convicted and received identical sentences.
The trio was found guilty of kidnapping and human trafficking by the Western Cape High Court. Judge Nathan Erasmus imposed life sentences for trafficking and an additional 10 years for kidnapping. He emphasized that their drug use did not excuse their actions, stating, “There is nothing that I can find that is redeeming and deserving of a lesser sentence than the harshest I can impose.”
Initially perceived as a grieving mother, Smith’s facade unraveled during the trial. Witnesses testified that she sold Joshlin to a traditional healer, or sangoma, for 20,000 rand (approximately $1,100), allegedly because the child was desired for her “eyes and skin.” A neighbor recounted Smith discussing plans to sell her children, and a teacher testified that Smith claimed Joshlin was already being shipped to West Africa.
The trial, held in a community sports center to accommodate public interest, featured over 30 witnesses. Smith and her co-accused did not testify or call any witnesses in their defense. During sentencing, Judge Erasmus described Smith as manipulative and unremorseful, noting the profound impact on the community of Middelpos.
Despite extensive searches, Joshlin has not been found. Western Cape police commissioner Thembisile Patekile affirmed that efforts to locate her continue, stating, “We will not rest until we find what happened to Joshlin.”
The case has highlighted the pervasive issue of child trafficking in South Africa, where over 17,000 kidnappings were reported in the 2023/2024 financial year, marking an 11% increase from the previous year.
Joshlin’s grandmother, Amanda Smith-Daniels, expressed her anguish, saying, “I don’t feel that any sentence they get will bring my grandchild back.” She now cares for Smith’s eldest child, while the youngest resides with their father.
As the nation grapples with the horror of this case, the search for Joshlin continues, with authorities and the community holding onto hope for answers.
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