A South African mother, Racquel “Kelly” Smith, 35, has been sentenced to life imprisonment for selling her six-year-old daughter to human traffickers. Joshlin Smith vanished from her Saldanha Bay home in February 2024 and remains missing. Three others, including Smith’s boyfriend, also received life sentences for their roles in the crime.

The court heard that Kelly Smith, alongside her boyfriend Jacquen Appollis and co-accused Steveno van Rhyn, conspired to hand over Joshlin for financial gain. A court heard during the six-week trial how Joshlin was sought out by a 'healer' for her 'light eyes and skin.' The shocking trial has captivated South Africa for the last few months, with Joshlin still missing despite a major search operation. Joshlin's grandmother, who now cares for her daughter's eldest child, pleaded with Smith ahead of the sentence to 'bring my [grand]child back or tell me where she is'.

Although Joshlin has never been found, damning evidence revealed Smith orchestrated the exchange, allegedly in return for R20,000 (about £850). Smith had allegedly been happy to settle for even less, willing to sell Joshlin for £200. All three were convicted of human trafficking and kidnapping.

Judge Nathan Erasmus, who presided over the emotionally charged trial held in a local community centre to allow public attendance, said:

“There is nothing redeeming about their actions… They sold a child. A six-year-old, defenceless child.”

He added that the community had been “shattered” by the incident, describing how the betrayal of trust had left lasting emotional scars. Joshlin’s disappearance prompted a nationwide search, with her story dominating headlines across South Africa. Volunteers scoured the area for weeks while police combed local and neighbouring provinces. Despite the scale of the investigation, no trace of the young girl has been found.

Western Cape police commissioner Thembisile Patekile said authorities continue to follow leads, some of which now stretch beyond South Africa’s borders:

“We have not given up. This case remains open, and we are actively pursuing information.”

Throughout the trial, the accused showed little remorse. Smith reportedly broke down only when the verdict was handed down—not in grief for her missing daughter, but in apparent fear of her own fate.

Joshlin’s grandmother, who has become a vocal figure in the campaign to find the girl, said in a recent interview:

“We are broken, but we still hope. Someone, somewhere knows where Joshlin is.”

Judge Nathan Erasmus said he "drew no distinction" between the trio on trial while handing down life sentences. "On the human trafficking charge, you are sentenced to life imprisonment. On the kidnapping charge, you are sentenced to 10 years imprisonment," he said to loud applause in the courtroom.