Mom's Monstrous Betrayal Life Behind Bars for Selling Daughter

South African Mother Sentenced to Life in Prison for Selling 6-Year-Old Daughter

In a case that has sent shockwaves across South Africa, a woman has been sentenced to life in prison for kidnapping and selling her six-year-old daughter, Joshlin Smith. The heartbreaking disappearance of Joshlin in February of last year from Saldanha Bay, a fishing town north of Cape Town, gripped the nation, and the subsequent trial has unveiled a disturbing tale of betrayal and exploitation.

Racquel "Kelly" Smith, Joshlin's mother, was found guilty of the heinous crime of kidnapping and selling her young daughter, reportedly for a mere **20,000 rand ($1,100)**. The verdict, delivered on Thursday, brought a sense of closure, albeit a somber one, to a case that has deeply affected the community and the country at large.

Judge Nathan Erasmus delivered a scathing ruling, sentencing Smith, 35, and her two co-accused – her boyfriend and a mutual friend – to life imprisonment for human trafficking. They also received a concurrent sentence of 10 years for kidnapping. The judge emphasized the severity of the crime and the lack of remorse shown by the perpetrators.

Key highlights from the sentencing:

• Life imprisonment for Racquel "Kelly" Smith and her two co-accused for human trafficking.
• Concurrent 10-year sentence for kidnapping.
• Entry of the convicts' names into the child protection register.
• Judge Erasmus stated that there was "nothing that I can find that is redeeming and deserving of a lesser sentence than the harshest I can impose."

The judge dismissed any excuses based on drug use, highlighting the deliberate and calculated nature of the crime.

A Community in Mourning

The courtroom was filled with emotion as the verdict was read. Joshlin's grandmother, Amanda Smith Daniels, attended the hearing wearing a shirt adorned with images of her beloved granddaughter. The disappearance of Joshlin sparked a massive nationwide search, with photos of the young girl with her striking green eyes and brown pigtails circulating widely. Initially, Smith was seen as a figure of sympathy, but the narrative shifted dramatically as the investigation unfolded.

The Investigation and Trial

The case took a dark turn when prosecutors alleged that Smith had sold her daughter to a traditional healer, reportedly due to interest in her eyes and fair complexion. While the judge did not specify the buyer or the exact motives in his ruling, the trial, which began in March, revealed disturbing details. Witnesses, including Joshlin's teacher and a pastor, testified about the mother's prior intentions to sell her child.

Rising Kidnapping Rates in South Africa

This case underscores a disturbing trend in South Africa, which has one of the highest crime rates in the world. Kidnappings are on the rise, with **over 17,000 cases reported in the 2023/2024 financial year**, an **11% increase** compared to the previous year, according to police statistics. Police have indicated that the search for Joshlin has been extended beyond South Africa's borders, emphasizing the ongoing efforts to find her.

The life sentence handed down to Racquel "Kelly" Smith and her accomplices serves as a stern warning against the heinous crime of child trafficking. While justice has been served in this case, the disappearance of Joshlin Smith remains a painful reminder of the vulnerability of children and the need for continued vigilance and protection. The hope remains that one day, Joshlin will be found, and true closure can be achieved.

Tags: South Africa, kidnapping, child trafficking, Joshlin Smith, life sentence, crime news, Saldanha Bay, Racquel Smith, human trafficking, missing child

Source: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/south-african-sold-6-year-old-daughter-joshlin-smith-life-sentence/