In a case that has shocked the country, a South African court found a woman guilty on Friday of trafficking her six-year-old daughter, who has been missing for over a year.
Several witnesses testified during the two-month trial that Racquel “Kelly” Smith had told them she had sold her daughter Joshlin in February 2024, claiming she received 20,000 rand ($1,085) in exchange.
Judge Nathan Erasmus stated that he found Smith, 35, and her two co-accused—a boyfriend and a mutual friend—guilty of human trafficking and kidnapping based on the testimony of 35 state witnesses.
He remarked, “I have already discovered that Joshlin was exchanged on the evidence in front of me.”
He accused Smith of treating her daughter, who was six years old when she vanished, like a “commodity,” saying, “The evidence is from all scores there were payments, or at least the promise of payments.”
The case aroused anger, and the trial took place in a community hall in the little fishing village of Saldanha Bay, about 135 kilometers (80 miles) north of Cape village.
“We want Joshlin back” was the slogan of the crowds outside the proceedings, and Friday’s ruling was greeted with a roar of cheers.Many locals had joined the police in days of searches for the girl around their impoverished area.
“You are guilty of… trafficking in persons in relation to Joshlin Smith. On count two, you are also convicted of kidnapping,” Erasmus told the three accused, none of whom took the stand.
He adjourned the court for sentencing, which may run up to life sentences.
Smith initially drew sympathy after her daughter was reported missing. Photographs showing Joshlin’s striking green eyes, broad smile and brown pigtails flooded the media.
The case drew national attention, including from Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie, who offered a one-million-rand ($54,000) reward for her safe return.
But it took a turn when prosecutors alleged that Smith sold her daughter to a traditional healer, who was interested in her eyes and fair complexion.
The court heard that Smith, who has two other children, appeared unusually calm and unconcerned during the intense search for Joshlin.
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