Mother on Trial for Allegedly Kidnapping and Selling 6-Year-Old Daughter in South Africa

A trial has begun involving a South African woman named Kelly Smith, who stands accused of kidnapping and selling her own six-year-old daughter. Smith, whose full given name is Racquel Chantel Smith, faces serious charges related to the disappearance of her daughter, Joshlin, who was last seen in February 2024.

Two other individuals have also been implicated in the case. Smith’s partner, Jacquin Appollis, and a friend, Steveno van Rhyn, are both facing charges alongside her. At the start of the trial on Monday, all three defendants proclaimed their innocence. If found guilty, they could all potentially receive life sentences.

Since Joshlin’s disappearance, extensive efforts have been undertaken to locate the child, including a nationwide police operation and public appeals urging citizens to help in the search. Concerns were raised early in the investigation that Joshlin might have been taken outside of the local area or even transported out of the country.

Initially, Smith garnered widespread sympathy from the public. Community members banded together to search local areas such as nearby sand dunes. Smith had told police that she left Joshlin with her partner, Appollis, on the last day she saw the girl, unaware of her subsequent whereabouts.

However, the investigation took an unexpected turn when police began questioning Smith herself, later leading to her arrest. Another woman connected to the case was arrested but subsequently released without charges; she is now reported to be testifying as a witness for the prosecution during the trial.

Prosecutors have outlined disturbing allegations, stating Smith had been plotting since August 2023 to sell Joshlin along with her two siblings. Ultimately, only Joshlin disappeared. The indictment further details an eyewitness account, claiming Smith and her daughter were seen entering a white vehicle accompanied by a bag of clothing on the same day Joshlin vanished.

The trial, held in a sports hall in the coastal town of Saldanha Bay, has reportedly caused significant outrage among local residents. Community members expressing their anger and concern have gathered outside the courtroom, chanting loudly in demands for Joshlin’s safe return.

The presiding judge, Nathan Erasmus, has made clear that a conviction for any of the accused could result in severe sentencing, including life imprisonment.