In a chilling development that has shaken South Africa, the mother of missing six-year-old Joshlin Smith has been sentenced to life in prison. Joshlin Smith vanished from her Saldanha Bay home in February 2024, triggering an extensive manhunt and massive public outcry. Her mother, Racquel “Kelly” Smith, has now been found guilty of kidnapping and human trafficking—selling her own daughter to a traditional healer for ritual purposes.
This case, now one of the most haunting child trafficking stories in the country, ended in conviction on May 29, 2025. Despite the sentencing, Joshlin remains missing, and her exact fate is still unknown.
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Joshlin Smith’s Disappearance and the Start of a Nightmare
Joshlin Smith, a bubbly, green-eyed six-year-old, was last seen in the care of her mother and her mother’s boyfriend. What began as a missing person case quickly escalated into something far darker. Weeks into the investigation, shocking details surfaced. According to testimonies, Kelly Smith allegedly sold her daughter to a sangoma—a traditional healer—due to the child’s fair complexion and striking green eyes.
As the community rallied to search for Joshlin, evidence emerged pointing directly at her mother. It was revealed in court that she had long been battling drug addiction and had previously joked about “selling her children for money.”
Life Sentences Handed Down: Justice for Joshlin Smith?
On May 29, 2025, a packed courtroom—moved to a community sports center to accommodate crowds—heard the final verdict. Kelly Smith, her boyfriend Jacquen Appollis, and their associate Steveno van Rhyn were each sentenced to life in prison for human trafficking. They also received an additional ten years for kidnapping. The judge ruled that all three had played active roles in planning and executing the sale of Joshlin.
Key evidence that sealed their fate included:
- Testimony from over 30 witnesses
- Statements from a former co-accused turned state witness
- A history of drug abuse and prior threats to sell her children
- Multiple failed attempts to hide and manipulate the truth
The sentencing was met with tears, outrage, and relief. But despite the convictions, the central figure—Joshlin herself—has not been located.
Joshlin Smith’s Community Left in Pain and Confusion
The Saldanha Bay community, once united in their search for Joshlin, is now consumed by heartbreak and betrayal. Many who supported Kelly Smith in the early days of the investigation now feel deceived. The case has cast a spotlight on the grim reality of child trafficking in South Africa and raised questions about how such a tragedy could unfold within a family.
The trauma of the case has rippled beyond the immediate family. Neighbors, volunteers, and even the investigating officers expressed deep frustration and sorrow at not being able to bring Joshlin home.
Hope Still Remains for Joshlin Smith
Although the people responsible for her disappearance have been convicted, the search for Joshlin Smith continues. Her paternal grandmother, still hopeful, pleads for public assistance. Authorities urge anyone with new information to come forward. Every effort remains focused on finding Joshlin—alive or otherwise.
Summary Table: Joshlin Smith Case at a Glance
| Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Child’s Name | Joshlin Smith |
| Age at Disappearance | 6 years |
| Disappearance Date | February 2024 |
| Location | Saldanha Bay, South Africa |
| Main Accused | Kelly Smith (Mother), Jacquen Appollis, Steveno van Rhyn |
| Charges | Human Trafficking, Kidnapping |
| Sentence | Life imprisonment + 10 years |
| Current Status | Joshlin still missing |
The Road Ahead: Never Forget Joshlin Smith
As the justice system concludes its part, the public must now keep Joshlin’s story alive. Her case is not just about the crime—it’s about awareness, about fighting the dark world of child trafficking, and about protecting vulnerable children from those closest to them.
Joshlin’s bright green eyes continue to haunt the nation. Her name must not fade. Justice will only be complete when she is found.
If you have any information about the whereabouts of Joshlin Smith, no matter how minor, please report it to your local authorities. Your voice might be the one that brings her home.