Nationwide — Joshlin Smith, a 6-year-old girl from Western Cape, South Africa, went missing in February 2024. Her mother, Kelly Smith, was later found guilty of selling her to a traditional healer who allegedly wanted the child for her eyes and skin color.According to People, Smith was recently convicted of kidnapping and trafficking, alongside her boyfriend, Jacquen Appollis, and their friend, Steveno van Rhyn. All three now face the possibility of life in prison. Joshlin’s whereabouts remain unknown.
During the trial, a neighbor testified that Smith had shared plans to sell her daughter shortly before the girl vanished. Smith later told the same neighbor, “I sold my child to a sangoma,” using the local word for a healer. She also offered money to keep people quiet.
Joshlin’s teacher told the court that Smith once claimed her daughter was “on a ship, inside a container” heading to West Africa. This statement added to suspicions as the investigation unfolded.
Smith broke down crying when the guilty verdict was read. Meanwhile, the case drew strong reactions from the public and media, putting a spotlight on child trafficking in South Africa.