Mother Sentenced to Life in Prison for Kidnapping and Trafficking Her Daughter
In a harrowing case that has gripped South Africa, Kelly Smith, also known as Racquel Chantel Smith, has been sentenced to life imprisonment for the kidnapping and trafficking of her six-year-old daughter, Joshlin. Alongside her boyfriend, Jacquen Appollis, and an associate, Steveno Van Rhyn, Smith was found guilty after a nationwide search for Joshlin, who has been missing since last year.
The shocking details emerged during the trial, where witnesses testified that Smith had allegedly confessed to selling her daughter to a traditional healer, known locally as a sangoma, for 20,000 rand (approximately £830). The motive was reportedly linked to Joshlin’s physical appearance, which the alleged buyer found desirable. Despite initially garnering public sympathy during the initial search efforts, Smith’s story unraveled as police investigations revealed incriminating evidence, including her plan to sell not only Joshlin but also her two other children.
Judge Nathan Erasmus, in delivering the sentence, emphasized the gravity of the crimes, stating that drug use was no justification for the heinous acts. He noted, “There is nothing that I can find that is redeeming and deserving of a lesser sentence than the harshest I can impose.”
The court heard that on the day of Joshlin’s disappearance, Smith was seen entering a vehicle with her daughter and a bag of clothes. The chilling case underscores a tragic instance of parental betrayal, leaving a community shocked and a family devastated.
As authorities continue to investigate, Joshlin remains unaccounted for, and the case serves as a grim reminder of the dangers children face. The ruling reflects a commitment to justice in the face of such egregious violations.
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