Who Is Joshlin Smith, Sold By Her Mother In South African Trafficking Case

A South African court on the 30th of May, 2025 convicted and sentenced to life in prison, Racquel Smith, also known as Kelly Smith, for kidnapping and trafficking her daughter, Joshlin earlier this month.

The 35-year-old mother of three was sentenced along with her boyfriend Jacquen Appollis and their friend Steveno van Rhyn.

The conviction and sentencing at a hearing in Saldanha Bay, near Cape Town, was handed down to Joshlin’s mother who is a drug addict and believed to have sold her for money.

Who Is Joshlin Smith

Joshlin Smith, a six-year-old girl from the seaside town of Saldanha Bay in South Africa’s Western Cape, disappeared on 19 February 2024.

Known for her soft spoken nature and distinctive green eyes, Joshlin’s absence ignited a national outcry over child trafficking and failures in child protection systems.

Described by her teachers as a neat and quiet learner, Joshlin was one of three siblings living with her mother, Racquel “Kelly” Smith.

While little is publicly known about her personal life, her disappearance and the revelations that followed have horrified the country.

What Happened

After Joshlin vanished in February last year, her mother reported that she had left the child in the care of her boyfriend, Jacquen Appollis.

Initial assumptions were that the child had gone missing under unclear circumstances but the case triggered widespread search efforts by local authorities and community volunteers.

A reward of one million rand was even posted in the hopes of encouraging tips.

However, as the investigation progressed, what unfolded was a story far darker than a missing child.

Weeks into the investigation, three individuals Kelly Smith, Jacquen Appollis, and their friend Steveno van Rhyn were arrested and charged with kidnapping and human trafficking.

Court testimonies and witness accounts revealed that Kelly had allegedly agreed to sell her daughter for R20,000 (approx. $1,118) to a traditional healer, popularly known as sangoma in South Africa, who reportedly expressed interest in the child due to her light complexion and green eyes.

In May 2025, all three were convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment for human trafficking and an additional 10 years for kidnapping.

The sentencing took place in a local community sports hall, ensuring that the public could bear witness to the judicial process.

Although the court delivered justice through sentencing, Joshlin’s body is still not found, and her exact fate remains unknown.

Social media reactions

The case has stirred powerful reactions across social media. The hashtag #JusticeForJoshlin trended nationwide as South Africans expressed heartbreak and anger. Thousands of users shared messages of sympathy and condemnation, while others called for stronger measures to fight child trafficking and ensure better protection for children in at-risk communities.

Some expressed disappointment that despite the life sentences, the child remains missing. “Apparently South Africa doesn’t have the death penalty otherwise there’s absolutely no reason for that vile person, who claimed to be a “mother”, to remain alive. What happened to eye for an eye?… no pun intended,” an X user named LadyPatriot tweeted.

Another tweet by X user Hazel Lang read: “Wish it her being burnt worst mother ever..cold hearted person is Kelly Smith she must rot in prison and her other kids given for adoption..”

Police have also warned against misinformation spreading online, urging the public to rely on verified updates and not interfere with ongoing investigations.

The Government’s Response To Child Trafficking

South African authorities responded swiftly following the convictions, using the case to reaffirm the state’s position against human trafficking and crimes against children.

In an official statement, the Department of Justice said:
“These acts were despicable. We will not tolerate the exploitation of children under any circumstances. These sentences must serve as a deterrent to those who believe they can profit from innocent lives.”

Western Cape Premier Alan Winde added: “This case has shaken us all. The justice system has spoken, and now we must work even harder to prevent such tragedies in the future. Protecting our children must always be our top priority.”

The Department of Social Development also called for improved child monitoring and awareness campaigns in vulnerable communities, especially where economic desperation might make families susceptible to coercion or exploitation.

For the people of Saldanha Bay, Joshlin’s absence remains a gaping wound.

Her school has left her seat unfilled, while community vigils continue to be held in her memory.

Despite the convictions, hope remains that someday, answers about her final moments or her possible whereabouts will surface.

Joshlin’s story is not only a tale of personal betrayal, but also a warning. It highlights the grim realities of child exploitation in South Africa and the urgent need for vigilance, education, and systemic reform.

According to police statistics, a child goes missing every five hours in South Africa.