Kelly Smith, alongside two others, was found guilty of kidnapping and trafficking her daughter, Joshlin, who has been missing for over a year. The trial unveiled disturbing allegations that Smith sold her daughter, leading to widespread public interest and outrage in South Africa.
Mother Convicted in Shocking South African Kidnapping Case
Mother Convicted in Shocking South African Kidnapping Case
The disappearance of six-year-old Joshlin Smith leads to a conviction for her mother and two accomplices in a highly publicized trial.
Kelly Smith, the mother of six-year-old Joshlin Smith, has been convicted of kidnapping and trafficking her daughter, who has been missing for more than a year. The shocking verdict was announced alongside her boyfriend, Jacquen Appollis, and their friend, Steveno van Rhyn, all of whom had pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Joshlin disappeared in February of the previous year outside her home in Saldanha Bay, near Cape Town, prompting a massive search effort that garnered significant media coverage across South Africa. Despite the intensive search, the young girl has never been found.
The court trial, which took place in Saldanha's Multipurpose Centre, was marked by emotional scenes as the verdict was delivered. Kelly Smith was seen in tears, while van Rhyn reacted unexpectedly with a smile. The courtroom was packed, illustrating the public interest and concern surrounding the case.
During the trial, prosecutors presented disturbing testimony, claiming that Smith had "sold, delivered or exchanged" her daughter in what can only be described as a heinous act of exploitation. One of the most alarming testimonies came from Lourentia Lombaard, a neighbor and friend, who testified that Smith admitted to selling Joshlin to a traditional healer, a "sangoma," for dubious purposes linked to superstitions about beauty.
Incredibly, a local pastor further testified that Smith had once discussed selling her children for approximately $1,100, although she indicated she would accept far less for a quick transaction. Witnesses described harrowing interactions with Smith, including claims that Joshlin was "on a ship, inside a container, on the way to West Africa."
Smith's defense attorney attempted to undermine the credibility of the accusations, pointing out inconsistencies in Lombaard's testimony and labeling her an "opportunist." Despite these efforts, the jury found the trio guilty, sending shockwaves throughout the community and reigniting discussions about the role of traditional healers and societal issues affecting vulnerable families.
As the trial concludes, the case serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for child protection and the complexities surrounding the socio-cultural factors that contribute to such tragedies in South Africa.
