A South African mother has received a life sentence after selling her six-year-old daughter to a traditional healer who wanted the child’s light skin and turquoise eyes for use in medicine. Raquel Kelly Smith sold her daughter, Joshlin, for 20,000 rand (about $800) in February 2024. Shockingly, it was revealed she would have accepted as little as 200 rand for the child. Smith, 35, was convicted alongside her boyfriend, Jacquen Appollis, and friend Steveno van Rhyn for kidnapping and trafficking.
The case disturbed many across South Africa, especially after details emerged that Smith’s daughter had disappeared from outside their home in Saldanha Bay, near Cape Town. Joshlin had been living with family friends due to Smith’s long-term drug addiction and abusive behavior while under the influence. The family had tried to adopt Joshlin to provide her a safer home, but those efforts were blocked.
Neighbors reported that Smith admitted to selling the child to a sangoma, a traditional healer sometimes called a “soul doctor.” Witnesses described seeing Smith pack Joshlin’s belongings before getting into a car with the woman believed to be the healer. One teacher even said Smith claimed Joshlin was “on a ship inside a container” en route to West Africa.
During sentencing, Judge Nathan Erasmus condemned the trio, stating nothing was redeeming about their actions and handed down life imprisonment for human trafficking and an additional 10 years for kidnapping. The courtroom, held in a community center to allow public attendance, erupted in applause at the verdict.
Joshlin’s grandmother, Amanda Smith-Daniels, pleaded with her daughter to reveal the child’s whereabouts, expressing sorrow that no punishment could bring her granddaughter back. Authorities vowed to continue the search beyond South Africa’s borders, with police commissioner Thembisile Patekile promising relentless efforts to find Joshlin.
This haunting case has left a mark on the nation, highlighting the dangers of trafficking and abuse within vulnerable communities.
