By Deborah Nnamdi
A South African woman has been found guilty of human trafficking and kidnapping after a court ruled she sold her six-year-old daughter, Joshlin Smith, who has been missing since February 2024.
Racquel “Kelly” Smith, 35, was convicted on Friday alongside her boyfriend and a mutual friend, following a two-month trial that gripped the nation and sparked public outrage. Judge Nathan Erasmus delivered the verdict at a community hall in the small coastal town of Saldanha Bay, where the trial was held due to intense local interest.
“The evidence shows that Joshlin was exchanged,” said Erasmus, referring to testimony from 35 prosecution witnesses. “There were payments, or at least the promise of payments,” he added, condemning Smith for treating her daughter as a “commodity.”
Witnesses testified that Smith admitted to selling Joshlin for 20,000 rand (about $1,085), allegedly to a traditional healer interested in the child’s fair complexion and distinctive green eyes. The child’s teacher and a local pastor were among those who recounted chilling conversations in which Smith discussed the planned sale.
Smith, who has two other children, initially received widespread sympathy when Joshlin was reported missing. Her daughter’s image—bright-eyed with brown pigtails—was widely circulated as communities and police scoured the area for clues.
Public anger swelled as suspicions mounted. During court proceedings, prosecutors painted a picture of a mother detached and emotionless during the search for her missing daughter. Outside the trial venue, community members regularly gathered, chanting “We want Joshlin back.”
The guilty verdict was met with applause from the crowd. Sentencing has been postponed, but the accused could face life imprisonment.
The case also drew national attention, with Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie offering a one-million-rand reward for Joshlin’s safe return. As of now, her whereabouts remain unknown.
