A South African court has convicted a mother and two men for kidnapping and trafficking her six-year-old daughter, Joshlin Smith.
The Western Cape High Court delivered the verdict on Friday May 2, 2025, after months of legal proceedings and public outrage.
According to reports, Joshlin Smith disappeared on February 19, 2024, from her home in Middelpos, Saldanha Bay, Western Cape Province.
Her mother, Kelly Smith, reported the girl missing to the appropriate authorities prompting a nationwide search and emotional appeals from the public.
Security operatives have arrested kelly, her boyfriend Jacquen Apollis, and a friend, Steveno Van Rhyn, for suspected trafficking.
The three were accused of selling the girl to a traditional healer, also known as a sangoma.
The child remains missing as of the court’s judgment on Friday.
The Presiding Judge, Nathan Erasmus, delivered the guilty verdict on charges of kidnapping and human trafficking.
He said Smith’s behaviour was not that of a grieving or concerned parent.
“In my mind, the only inference is that you knew what happened,” Judge Erasmus told the court.
A witness testified that Smith admitted to selling her daughter for 20,000 rand, equivalent to $1,100.
According to the testimony, the buyer wanted the girl for her “eyes and skin.”
Despite the damning testimony, the judge did not identify the buyer or explain the motive.
The trial had gripped South Africa, sparking debates about child safety and exploitation.
Many citizens called for stricter laws and surveillance of vulnerable communities.
Lawyers representing the state said the case reflected deeper issues of poverty and desperation in the country.
Kelly Smith and her co-accused showed little emotion as the verdict was announced.
The court remanded all three convicts in custody until the sentencing date is confirmed.
Prosecutors have asked for a life sentence due to the heinous nature of the crime.
Social workers and psychologists have been deployed to counsel the local community.
Joshlin Smith’s whereabouts remain unknown, and police say the investigation is still active.
Citizens are encouraged to share any information that may help locate the missing child.
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