Joslin Smith: Mother And Accomplices Jailed For Life

In a harrowing case that shocked South Africa, the mother of missing Joslin Smith and two accomplices have been sentenced to life in prison for trafficking a six-year-old girl who remains missing.

Racquel “Kelly” Smith, her boyfriend Jacquen Appollis, and their friend Steveno van Rhyn were convicted in connection with the disappearance of Smith’s daughter, Joshlin. The child vanished in February 2024 from her home in Saldanha Bay, near Cape Town. Despite intense media coverage and a nationwide search, she has never been found.

Judge Nathan Erasmus delivered the life sentences at a community centre converted into a courtroom to accommodate residents. His message was firm: no distinction would be made between those involved. All three were sentenced to life for human trafficking and an additional 10 years for kidnapping.

The trial lasted eight weeks and exposed the disturbing details behind the child’s disappearance. The court heard chilling testimony suggesting the child was sold for ritual purposes. A neighbour, Lourentia Lombaard, turned state witness and claimed Smith confessed to selling her daughter to a traditional healer. Other testimony alleged Smith once spoke of selling her children for as little as R5,000.

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Smith, 35, chose not to testify during the trial. Prosecutors portrayed her as manipulative and lacking in remorse. A social worker who evaluated the accused characterised Smith as the probable mastermind behind the trafficking scheme.

As the verdict was read, there was applause from community members who had waited more than a year for justice. Outside the courtroom, emotions ran high. Residents expressed outrage, and Joshlin’s grandmother, Amanda Smith-Daniels, pleaded once more for the child’s return. “No sentence will bring her back,” she said, heartbroken.

Western Cape police say the search will continue, even beyond national borders. Authorities believe someone, somewhere, still holds the answer to what happened to Joshlin.

The National Prosecuting Authority welcomed the ruling, calling it a victory for justice. But for many, including the grieving family, the pain remains raw. The case has left a deep scar on the quiet community of Middelpos and a lingering question: where is Joshlin Smith?

 

 

Content Credit: Dada Blessing 

Image Credit: BBC.Com