Allegations of Child Trafficking Surface in Disappearance of South African Girl

The trial of Kelly Smith, mother of the missing six-year-old Joshlin Smith, unveils distressing allegations of human trafficking and parental collusion in kidnapping, with links to traditional healing practices.

A young girl, Joshlin Smith, went missing in South Africa in February 2024, and disturbing new details are emerging as the trial of her mother unfolds. Allegations have surfaced that a traditional healer sought Joshlin for her distinctive blue-green eyes and fair skin. Kelly Smith, alongside her boyfriend Jacquen Appollis and friend Steveno van Rhyn, faces grave charges of human trafficking and kidnapping, all while maintaining their innocence.

The court proceedings have been marked by shocking testimonies. Initially, Ms. Smith claimed her daughter vanished while she was in the care of Mr. Appollis. However, prosecutors suspect that she was complicit in her daughter's disappearance, accusing her of selling the six-year-old and concealing crucial information regarding her whereabouts.

As the trial progresses, heart-wrenching testimonies have painted a grim picture of the events surrounding Joshlin's disappearance. Court records indicate that Ms. Smith delayed reporting her daughter missing, taking over six hours to alert authorities, while seemingly more concerned about her boyfriend than the welfare of her child.

Friends and acquaintances have come forward with alarming allegations against Ms. Smith. A local pastor testified that he overheard her discussing selling her children for money, while Joshlin's teacher recounted Ms. Smith’s claims that her daughter was already being transported to West Africa.

Crucially, a neighbor, Lourentia Lombaard, has become a state witness, revealing that Ms. Smith confessed to selling her child to a "sangoma" in exchange for financial relief. Lombaard claimed she witnessed the mother preparing Joshlin’s belongings and leaving with the traditional healer, who reportedly sought Joshlin for her "eyes and skin."

The trial highlights serious societal issues surrounding child trafficking and the role of traditional healers, known as "sangomas," within South African culture. Despite the legal recognition of these practitioners, there are instances of exploitative behaviors where vulnerable individuals, especially children, become victims of human trafficking. As the community grapples with the ongoing search for Joshlin Smith, the trial continues to unfold, with both public interest and concern for the child's fate steadily growing. The proceedings are expected to conclude by the end of March.