Shocking Allegations Emerge in Trial of Missing South African Girl Joshlin Smith
The trial of Kelly Smith, mother of missing six-year-old Joshlin Smith, highlights allegations of human trafficking, with claims that a traditional healer sought Joshlin for her appearance. Despite extensive searches, the child remains missing, and the legal proceedings focus on clarifying Ms. Smith’s role in her disappearance.
The ongoing trial of Kelly Smith, the mother of the missing six-year-old Joshlin Smith, has revealed shocking allegations surrounding the child’s disappearance. Prosecutors allege that Ms. Smith orchestrated her daughter’s kidnapping, motivated by a request from a traditional healer for Joshlin’s fair skin and unique eyes. Together with her boyfriend, Jacquen Appollis, and their friend Steveno van Rhyn, they have pleaded not guilty to charges of human trafficking and kidnapping.
Joshlin was last seen in February 2024 outside her home in Saldanha Bay, South Africa. Despite extensive search efforts, her whereabouts remain unknown. Initial claims made by Ms. Smith indicated that she had left Joshlin in the care of Mr. Appollis when the child disappeared. However, the prosecution contends that Ms. Smith sold or exchanged her daughter, countering her initial narrative.
Critical testimonies heard during the trial highlight concerning behaviors exhibited by Ms. Smith. Reports indicate that she did not notify law enforcement of Joshua’s disappearance for over six hours and appeared more anxious about her boyfriend’s location than the fate of her daughter. Allegations from a local pastor suggest that Ms. Smith had previously considered selling her children for significant sums.
Significantly, her friend and neighbor, Lourentia Lombaard, testified that Ms. Smith confessed to her about selling Joshlin to a sangoma, allegedly for financial reasons. Lombaard reported witnessing Smith preparing her daughter’s belongings before leaving with an unidentified woman, purportedly the sangoma. During the testimony, it was stated that the individual who allegedly wanted Joshlin sought her for her eyes and skin.
Notably, a woman initially charged as a sangoma alongside Ms. Smith had her charges dropped due to insufficient evidence. Sangomas are legally recognized traditional healers in South Africa; however, certain practitioners exploit cultural beliefs, potentially leading to harmful practices. Ms. Lombaard expressed her regret, saying she attempted to dissuade Ms. Smith from her actions and made a heartfelt plea to the perpetrators to return Joshlin safely. The trial is slated to continue until March 28.
The trial concerning the disappearance of six-year-old Joshlin Smith reveals alarming allegations against her mother, Kelly Smith, and associates regarding human trafficking. Key testimonies shed light on the possible motivations behind Joshlin’s abduction, specifically a demand for her unique physical traits by a traditional healer. The legal proceedings serve to unravel the complexities surrounding this distressing case as the search for Joshlin continues.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
