South African Trio Convicted of Trafficking Missing 6-Year-Old

A South African court has convicted Kelly Smith, her boyfriend Jacquen Appollis, and friend Steveno van Rhyn of kidnapping and trafficking six-year-old Joshlin Smith, who disappeared in February 2024 from Saldanha Bay and remains missing. The case, which drew national attention and public outrage, revealed that Smith sold her daughter for around $1,000 to a traditional healer, according to witness testimony, though the court did not confirm the buyer or the exact circumstances. Judge Nathan Erasmus cited the overwhelming evidence from dozens of witnesses, concluding Smith treated her daughter as a commodity and was not a concerned parent. Community members had initially rallied around Smith but were shocked by the eventual revelation of her involvement. The three convicted individuals face possible life sentences, with sentencing hearings scheduled to begin soon. The case has underscored the ongoing issue of child trafficking in South Africa and left the nation demanding answers and justice for Joshlin.