Share this @internewscast.com

A SICK mother who a court heard “sold her daughter for her eyes and skin” has been sentenced to life in prison.

Racquel “Kelly” Smith from South Africa, along with two accomplices, was imprisoned after being convicted of kidnapping and trafficking her own six-year-old daughter.

Photo of Joshlin Smith, a six-year-old girl who was kidnapped.
Kidnapped Joshlin Smith, 6, disappeared from her home town and was never seen againCredit: Facebook/Gayton McKenzie
Racquel ‘Kelly’ Smith has been jailed after being found guilty of kidnapping and trafficking her daughterCredit: AFP
Jacquen Appollis, left, Smith’s boyfriend, and Steveno van Rhyn, right, were also jailed for lifeCredit: AFP

The trial heard that the child, Joshlin Smith, was sold to a traditional healer for her body parts and never seen again.

Smith’s boyfriend Jacquen Appollis and their friend Steveno van Rhyn were also jailed.

A witness said Smith had spoken of selling her children for 20,000 rand (£850) each.

One witness stated that Smith intended to sell her daughter to a healer, known locally as a “sangoma,” who was interested in the child because of her striking green eyes and light skin.

Joshlin vanished from her outside her home in Saldanha Bay, near Cape Town, in February 2024.

Smith claimed she left her child with her boyfriend when she went missing.

A desperate, highly-publicised search followed, with a minister stepping in to offer a one-million-rand (£41,400) reward for her safe return.

The child’s image was broadcast around South Africa.

But Joshlin was never found, and suspicion turned onto her mother.

The trial verdict did not make any conclusions about what exactly had happened to Joshlin – only that the three had sold her.

Amber Alert issued for three children after they were ‘abducted’ by man who ‘stabbed’ their mom in Virginia Beach

Judge Nathan Erasmus, sentencing, said he “drew no distinction” between the twisted trio’s roles in the crime.

He sentenced each of them to life in prison on the human trafficking charge, and a concurrent 10 years on the kidnapping charge.

The depraved bunch showed no emotion as they learned their sentences outside the local community centre in Saldanha.

The sentencing on Thursday concluded a six-week trial that had a significant impact on South Africa. It was held in a sports center in the family’s hometown to allow community members to observe the proceedings.

Kelly Smith, mother of Joshlin Smith, in court.
Kelly Smith in court in back in March 2024Credit: Reuters
A grandmother wearing a shirt with a picture of her missing granddaughter sits in court.
Amanda Smith-Daniels, mother Kelly Smith and grandmother of JoshlinCredit: AFP

When Joshlin was first reported missing, there had been an outpouring of sympathy for Smith.

Community members rallied around her and helped with the police search.

But, during the trial, the court heard testimonies from more than 30 witnesses who painted a picture of the young girl’s troubled life.

The grim details of Joshlin’s alleged sale came from Lourentia Lombaard, a friend and neighbour of Smith.

A local pastor testified that in 2023 he had heard Smith – a mother of three – talk of selling her children for 20,000 rand (£850) each, but saying she would take a lower figure of around £200.

Joshlin’s teacher then testified that Smith told her during the search that her daughter was already “on a ship, inside a container, and they were on the way to West Africa”.

During sentencing hearings, Smith was described as manipulative and a teller of “bald-faced lies”.

A social worker tasked with compiling a report on the three traffickers said it would not be a “stretch to conclude that [Kelly] Smith is the mastermind behind the trafficking of her own daughter”.

Saldanha Bay is a fishing town 85 miles north of Cape Town.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Indianapolis mass shooting leaves 2 dead, several others wounded

Two Killed and Several Injured in Indianapolis Mass Shooting

Two people were killed in a shooting that injured at least seven…
Tropical Storm Chantal forms off South Carolina coast

Tropical Storm Chantal Develops Near the Coast of South Carolina

On Saturday morning, Tropical Storm Chantal emerged near the coast of South…
How to prepare for a hurricane, as forecasters expect a busy 2025 storm season

Steps to Get Ready for an Active Hurricane Season in 2025

HOUSTON (AP) — For the millions of Americans residing in coastal regions,…
Serial killer fears grip Texas community after dozens of bodies pulled from lake: 'Cannot be ignored'

Fears of a Serial Killer Spread in Texas Town as Multiple Bodies Discovered in Lake: ‘We Must Pay Attention’

The mysterious circumstances surrounding a Texas lake have caused unease in the…
James McMurdock, Reform UK MP, at the House of Commons.

Reform MP James McMurdock Takes Leave from Party Due to ‘Business Conduct During Pandemic’ Concerns

REFORM MP James McMurdock has voluntarily removed the party whip from himself.…
A man in a military uniform stands with a flag.

I’m the Leader of a Tiny Desert Empire in America: We’ve Declared War on Germany and Host Celebrity Guests

IN the sun-scorched high desert of Northern Nevada lies a tiny self-declared…
Jason Kelce slammed for 'tone deaf' Fourth of July post about setting aside differences: 'Privilege is showing'

Jason Kelce Criticized for ‘Insensitive’ Independence Day Post on Setting Aside Differences: ‘Shows Privilege’

Jason Kelce encountered criticism on social media following his remarks urging people…
Julian McMahon's 'Charmed' co-stars remembers the late actor: 'One of a kind'

Julian McMahon’s Former ‘Charmed’ Cast Members Pay Tribute: ‘Truly Unique’

The women of “Charmed” are remembering their late co-star. Julian McMahon, who…
Subway riders deliver street justice to brute who grabbed screaming woman on platform

Subway Commuters Take Action Against Man Who Attacked Woman on Platform

A group of everyday New York City subway riders delivered some street…

Multiple Cities Experience Shootings and Fireworks Accident on July Fourth Holiday

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (AP) — This year’s Fourth of July holiday saw numerous…
Fever are 'more dangerous' without Caitlin Clark: ESPN analyst

ESPN Analyst Says Fever Are at Greater Risk Without Caitlin Clark

One ESPN analyst stirred the pot on “SportsCenter” after the Fever’s win…
JSO: Woman shot, killed during party on Rover Drive hour after Fourth of July

JSO: Woman Fatally Shot at Rover Drive Party Just After Fourth of July Celebrations

The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office said five people were detained following the deadly…