A South African Woman Gets Life in Prison for Selling Her Daughter
- ~ 1 Min read
Daughter Sold to Healer: Mother Faces Potential Life Imprisonment - Daughter sold to healer by mother results in lifelong imprisonment for the mother
A court in South Africa has given a life sentence to a 35-year-old woman, Racquel Smith, for kidnapping and selling her own six-year-old daughter back in February 2024. Smith, along with her partner and a mutual friend, was found guilty of human trafficking and abduction. The trio was reportedly paid approximately 950 euros for the child.
Presiding Judge Erasmus conveyed, "Nothing seems to justify a lighter sentence than the harshest." Smith's lack of remorse and concern for the girl's safety left the judge with no other option. The little girl, named Joshlin, has been missing since the incident.
The case created nationwide uproar last year. South Africa's sports minister, Gayton McKenzie, even offered a reward of around 48,000 euros for the safe return of Joshlin.
Courtroom Acclaim
Some evidence suggested that the mother might have sold her daughter to a traditional healer to capitalize on the child's unique features. Testimonies from witnesses during the two-month trial indicated that Smith had openly admitted to selling her daughter Joshlin. The courtroom erupted in applause when the verdict was announced.
- South Africa
- Mother
- Woman
- Partner
Further Insights:
- Latest Developments: The court sentenced the mother, Racquel "Kelly" Smith, along with her boyfriend, Jacquen Appollis, and friend, Steveno van Rhyn, to life imprisonment on May 29, 2025, for their roles in the kidnapping and sale of Smith's six-year-old daughter, Joshlin[1][2].
- Public Reaction: The sentencing was met with cheers in the courtroom, reflecting the public's outrage and relief at the verdict[1].
- Motive and Charges: The mother sold her daughter to a traditional healer, allegedly for ritualistic purposes related to the child's eyes and skin, to fund their drug habits[2].
- Trial and Witnesses: The trial began in March 2025, with witnesses including the girl's teacher and a pastor. A pastor testified that Smith had discussed her plans to sell her daughter in 2023[1].
- Socio-Cultural Context: The case underscores concerns about ritualistic practices involving human body parts in certain cultures, which can lead to severe crimes[1]. South Africa has a high crime rate, with a surge in child kidnappings, with over 17,000 kidnappings reported in the 2023/2024 financial year[1]. The case also emphasizes the need for stricter measures to protect children from such incidents.
- Search for Joshlin: Despite the mother's sentencing, Joshlin remains missing. Police are working diligently to locate the girl and have extended their search beyond South Africa's borders[1].
The community institution expressed outrage and relief as Racquel Smith, a woman in South Africa, received a life sentence for selling her daughter, Joshlin, in a human trafficking case related to war-and-conflicts, politics, general-news, and crime-and-justice. The trial, which revealed Smith's motive to fund her drug habits by selling her daughter to a traditional healer for ritualistic purposes, took place in the place of her residence.
