By Simba Munyua
Saldanha Bay, South Africa – Heartbreak and sobs filled a courtroom in Saldanha Bay this week as the sentencing hearing began for Racquel “Kelly” Smith, the mother convicted of kidnapping and trafficking her six-year-old daughter, Joshlin Smith, who disappeared over a year ago. A video clip of a laughing Joshlin, played during the hearing, proved too much for many in attendance, highlighting the devastating loss felt by the community.
Smith, a 35-year-old drug addict, was found guilty earlier this month along with her boyfriend, Jacquen Appollis, and their friend, Steveno van Rhyn. The case has gripped South Africa, exposing the harsh realities of poverty and the desperation that can lead to unimaginable acts.
Even the court interpreter struggled to maintain composure, choked with emotion as she translated victim impact statements into English, following their initial reading in Afrikaans. These statements, delivered by Joshlin’s grandmother, a family friend hoping to adopt her, and her teacher, painted a vivid picture of a community shattered by the alleged betrayal. The question echoing throughout was: How could a mother sell her own child?
Disturbing details presented during the trial alleged that Smith sold Joshlin to a traditional healer, known as a “sangoma,” for her “eyes and skin.” A local pastor testified to overhearing Smith discuss selling her children for 20,000 rand ($1,100; £850) each, and even being willing to accept a lower offer.
The impact on Joshlin’s family is profound. “How do you sleep [and] live with yourself?” a devastated Amanda Smith-Daniels, who now cares for Joshlin’s two siblings, asked her daughter in her heartbreaking victim statement.
Smith and her co-accused remained silent during the six-week trial, refusing to take the stand. However, the weight of the evidence and the emotional impact of the victim statements clearly took a toll. Witnesses reported Smith sobbing uncontrollably as she heard the testimonies and saw the video of her missing daughter.
Joshlin’s teacher, Edna Maart, described the young girl as a quiet and tidy student. Maart spoke of the daily struggle of answering questions from Joshlin’s classmates about her disappearance. Determined to keep Joshlin’s memory alive, the class begins each day with her favorite gospel song, “God Will Work It Out,” a song that brought further tears to the courtroom.
The most agonizing truth remains: Joshlin’s whereabouts are still unknown. Despite the convictions, the mystery of what happened to the little girl continues to haunt the community of Middelpos and the nation. The sentencing hearing is ongoing, and the hope for answers, and for Joshlin’s safe return, continues to dwindle with each passing day.
