A six-year-old girl named Joshlin Smith has been missing since February 2024 in Saldanha Bay, near Cape Town, South Africa. Her mother, Racquel Smith, was found guilty of kidnapping and trafficking Joshlin. She was sentenced to life in prison, along with two men involved in the case.
The court heard that Joshlin’s mother sold her to a traditional healer, also called a sangoma, for about £800. A neighbor testified that the mother admitted to selling her daughter. Another witness said the mother once discussed selling her children for money.
During the trial, the three accused refused to speak in their defense. The judge called the mother manipulative and said she showed little remorse for her actions. He gave the harshest sentence possible.
Joshlin’s grandmother, Amanda Smith-Daniels, gave an emotional statement in court. She now cares for the oldest child of Racquel Smith and asked her daughter, “How do you live with yourself?” She said the family’s lives have been torn apart by this tragedy.
Joshlin’s teacher also spoke in court. She said Joshlin was a quiet and tidy student. The class plays Joshlin’s favorite gospel song every morning to remember her.
Police say the search for Joshlin is still ongoing. They are following every lead and have not ruled out that she may be outside South Africa. The police commissioner promised they will keep working day and night until they find her.
This case has shocked the local community, and the court’s verdict sends a strong message that crimes against children will not be tolerated.
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