Shocking South African Case: Mother Sentenced for Selling Daughter to Healer
Daughter sold to healer by mother results in life imprisonment for mother - Daughter sold to healer by mother: mother faces lifelong imprisonment
Spend a minute with this gripping tale from the heart of South Africa.
An unrepentant 35-year-old woman, known as Racquel Smith, was given a life sentence for abducting and selling her six-year-old daughter, Joshlin, back in 2024. The court's ruling followed a human trafficking and abduction trial involving Smith, her partner, and a mutual friend, which took place over two months. The girl's sale price? Approximately 950 euros.
The presiding judge, Erasmus, commented, "I could find nothing that would justify a lesser sentence than the harshest." The mother of three demonstrated no regret or concern throughout the proceedings, with Joshlin still missing to this day.
The disappearance of Joshlin sparked a national outcry in 2023, prompting South Africa's sports minister, Gayton McKenzie, to offer a whopping 48,000 euros reward for her safe return.
The Sangoma Suspect and the Distant Verdict
Investigators soon suspected that the mother might have sold her child to a traditional healer, who was drawn to the girl's unique green eyes and fair skin. During the trial, several witnesses testified that Smith freely admitted to selling Joshlin. The verdict and applause that ensued in the courtroom have left many feeling a sense of justice served.
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Interestingly, recent developments indicate that this case extends beyond the courtroom. According to witnesses, the trio's primary motivation was to fund their drug habits. The shocking revelations and the chilling case details have sparked outrage, reflecting the growing concern about child kidnappings in South Africa, with over 17,000 reported incidents in 2023/2024. Despite continued efforts, Joshlin remains missing, and the ongoing investigation has extended beyond South African borders.
This case sheds light on the vulnerability of South African children and the chilling realities of human trafficking and ritualistic practices. The strict sentence handed down emphasizes the gravity of the offenses and the nation's call for justice.
The growing concern about child kidnappings in South Africa, with over 17,000 reported incidents in 2023/2024, has been highlighted by the recent case of a mother sentenced for selling her daughter to a traditional healer. This incident underscores the prevalence of human trafficking and ritualistic practices within the community institution of South Africa, intertwining with broader issues such as war-and-conflicts, politics, general-news, and crime-and-justice.
