Kelly Smith, the mother of missing six-year-old Joshlin Smith, has been found guilty of kidnapping and trafficking her daughter, alongside her boyfriend and a friend. Despite the trial shedding light on disturbing allegations regarding the girl's whereabouts, Joshlin remains missing over a year after she disappeared, igniting national concern.
Mother Convicted of Kidnapping in High-Profile South African Case
Mother Convicted of Kidnapping in High-Profile South African Case
Kelly Smith, alongside two accomplices, has been convicted in the disappearance of her daughter, Joshlin Smith, leading to widespread outrage and sorrow in South Africa.
In a disturbing turn of events, 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 verdict, delivered in a packed courtroom in Saldanha Bay, South Africa, also implicated Smith's boyfriend, Jacquen Appollis, and their friend, Steveno van Rhyn, who were also found guilty of similar charges. All three had maintained their innocence throughout the trial.
The disappearance of Joshlin Smith, which occurred in February 2022 from outside her home, captured widespread media attention and triggered a significant search effort across the country. Despite months of investigation, the young girl has yet to be found. During the trial proceedings, which took place in March, prosecutors accused Smith of having "sold, delivered or exchanged" her daughter, suggesting she fabricated details about the missing girl's fate.
The moment the verdict was announced was emotionally charged; as Smith wiped tears from her eyes, van Rhyn surprisingly smiled, eliciting applause from the audience, which included family and community members affected by the case. Ahead of the ruling, high levels of public interest prompted law enforcement to close nearby roads and tighten security measures around the Multipurpose Centre venue.
The trial featured shocking testimony, notably from Lourentia Lombaard, a former friend of Smith who turned state witness. Lombaard claimed that Smith admitted to selling Joshlin to a traditional healer, known as a “sangoma.” Allegations arose that the healer sought the child for her eyes and skin, turning the case into a public discourse concerning both child welfare and the influence of traditional beliefs in South Africa.
Additionally, a local pastor testified about claims made by Smith regarding the sale of her children for monetary gain. Specifically, he stated Smith mentioned a willingness to sell them for lower sums than 20,000 rand (approximately $1,100), raising further alarm over her intentions.
Despite the startling accusations, Smith's defense attorney, Rinesh Sivnarain, argued against the credibility of the testimonies, highlighting inconsistencies and characterizing Lombaard as an “opportunist.”
Legal recognition of sangomas under the Traditional Health Practitioners Act raises concerns about the exploitation and potential criminal activities involving traditional healers, particularly in instances where body parts may be sought for dubious charms or rituals.
The unresolved case of Joshlin Smith continues to strike a chord in South Africa, fostering discussions on crime, safety, and cultural practices in the region. As the saga unfolds, the community remains vigilant in its search for the young girl, hoping for a resolution that has thus far eluded them.
