A South African court on Friday convicted Racquel “Kelly” Smith of trafficking her six-year-old daughter, Joshlin, who has been missing for over a year. The case, which has shocked the nation, saw the mother, along with two accomplices, found guilty of human trafficking and kidnapping.
During the two-month trial, 35 state witnesses testified that Smith had confessed to selling her daughter in February 2024 for 20,000 rand (approximately $1,085). Judge Nathan Erasmus, who presided over the case, said the evidence, including testimony from a variety of witnesses, led him to conclude that Joshlin was “exchanged” for money.
“On the evidence before me, there were payments, or at least the promise of payments,” Erasmus said, accusing Smith of treating her daughter as a “commodity.”
Smith, 35, and her two co-defendants — a boyfriend and a mutual friend — were convicted based on witness statements and evidence that pointed to their involvement in the trafficking and kidnapping of Joshlin. The trial took place in the small fishing town of Saldanha Bay, about 135 kilometers (80 miles) from Cape Town, where the case sparked widespread public outrage.
Locals, who had previously joined police in searching for the missing girl, gathered outside the courtroom during the trial. When the verdict was announced, the crowd erupted in applause, chanting, “We want Joshlin back.”
Judge Erasmus addressed the three accused, saying, “You are guilty of trafficking in persons in relation to Joshlin Smith. On count two, you are also convicted of kidnapping.” He adjourned the court for sentencing, which could include life imprisonment.
The case drew national attention after Smith initially gained sympathy when Joshlin was reported missing. Images of the young girl, with striking green eyes, a broad smile, and brown pigtails, flooded the media. The case also caught the eye of Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie, who offered a one-million-rand ($54,000) reward for the girl’s safe return.
However, the case took a dramatic turn when prosecutors alleged that Smith sold Joshlin to a traditional healer who had shown interest in her unusual eye color and fair complexion.
Explosive testimonies revealed that Smith, who has two other children, appeared disturbingly calm during the extensive search for Joshlin. Witnesses, including the girl’s teacher and a pastor, testified that Smith had openly discussed plans to sell her daughter as early as 2023.
The court’s decision marks a painful chapter in a case that has captivated the country and highlighted the dark reality of human trafficking.
AFP
