Mother on trial for daughter's alleged kidnapping in South Africa

A young girl named Joshlin Smith, who disappeared in February 2024, was allegedly sought for her eyes and fair complexion, according to a court trial. This shocking claim has come to light as Kelly Smith, Joshlin's mother, faces charges of kidnapping and human trafficking. Along with her boyfriend Jacquen Appollis and their friend Steveno van Rhyn, they all plead not guilty to the charges. Joshlin, who was only six years old, went missing from outside her home in Saldanha Bay, near Cape Town. Despite extensive searches, she has not been found. Kelly Smith initially claimed that she left Joshlin in Appollis's care when the girl disappeared. Prosecutors accuse Ms. Smith of being involved in her daughter's kidnapping and of lying about it. During the trial, which is now in its third week, the court heard critical details about the circumstances of Joshlin's disappearance. Smith waited over six hours to report her missing and appeared calm while search efforts were underway. Witnesses have made disturbing claims about Smith’s intentions, including comments about selling her children for money. A key witness, Lourentia Lombaard, revealed that Smith admitted to selling Joshlin to a traditional healer, known as a "sangoma." Lombaard said Smith was driven by desperation for money. She recounted seeing Smith pack Joshlin's clothes into a bag before the two left with a woman believed to be the sangoma. Lombaard expressed regret, stating she had tried to prevent Joshlin's sale and made a plea for the girl to be returned safely. The trial is ongoing and is set to conclude on March 28. South Africa recognizes traditional healers, but some engage in unethical practices that exploit people in desperate situations.