**South African Mother Found Guilty of Daughter's Kidnapping Amid Ongoing Search for Child**

The conviction highlights the disturbing circumstances around Joshlin's disappearance, casting a shadow over the community in South Africa.

In a harrowing case that has gripped South Africa, Kelly Smith has been found guilty of kidnapping and trafficking her six-year-old daughter, Joshlin Smith, who has remained missing for over a year. Alongside her boyfriend, Jacquen Appollis, and their friend, Steveno van Rhyn, Smith was arrested after Joshlin vanished from outside her home in Saldanha Bay, near Cape Town, in February of the previous year. All three had previously claimed innocence regarding the charges against them.

The shocking nature of Joshlin's disappearance sent ripples of concern throughout the nation, sparking a widespread and highly publicized search that ultimately yielded no leads. During the trial, prosecutors painted a grim picture, accusing Smith of allegedly having "sold, delivered, or exchanged" her daughter, and subsequently lying about her abduction.

Emotions ran high in the courtroom when the verdict was announced, with Smith visibly distressed as tears streamed down her face, while van Rhyn surprisingly smiled, sparking outrage among onlookers. The trial took place in a multipurpose center in Saldanha, where interest was so high that nearby roads were closed and police presence was increased to manage the crowds.

The prosecution’s case was bolstered by explosive testimony from Lourentia Lombaard, a neighbor who turned state witness, alleging that Smith confessed to selling her daughter to a traditional healer, referred to locally as a "sangoma," for a questionable purpose involving her physical attributes. Lombaard claimed Smith acknowledged her "silly" actions during that confession.

Adding to the sinister narrative, a local pastor recounted hearing Smith discuss selling her children for a sum of 20,000 rand (approximately $1,100), though she was reportedly willing to accept as little as $275. In a chilling revelation, Joshlin's school teacher testified that Smith had bizarrely mentioned her daughter being "on a ship, inside a container, and on the way to West Africa."

Defense attorney Rinesh Sivnarain challenged the credibility of Lombaard's claims, pointing out inconsistencies in her statements. He described her as an "opportunist," indicating doubts about the veracity of the accusations against his client.

In South Africa, sangomas are legally recognized traditional healers, along with other practitioners of traditional medicine. Unfortunately, some scammers within this sphere have been known to perpetuate schemes involving the sale of body parts as "good luck" charms, highlighting the darker side of traditional practices. This shocking case underscores profound societal issues surrounding youth safety and the complexities of traditional beliefs.

Follow for ongoing updates on this disturbing case and its implications for the community.