Mum sentenced to life for selling six-year-old daughter 'for eyes and skin'

Racquel 'Kelly' Smith, alongside co-accused Jacquen Appollis, was condemned to life behind bars after an intense six-week trial (Image: AFP via Getty Images)

In a harrowing revelation, a South African woman has received a life sentence for the abduction and human trafficking of her own six year old daughter "for her eyes and skin."

Racquel 'Kelly' Smith, alongside co-accused Jacquen Appollis, was condemned to life behind bars after an intense six-week trial at a community hall in Saldanha, where staggering evidence detailed that young Joshlin Smith was traded to a traditional healer for body parts.

Statements in court included one individual alleging Smith had contemplated selling her offspring for 20,000 rand (£850) apiece, while another disclosed intentions to hand over her girl to a "sangoma" (traditional healer) lusting after the child's "eyes and skin."

Members of the public react after unseen Kelly Smith, the mother of missing child Joshlin Smith, and other co-accused were found guilty on charges of human trafficking and kidnapping, in Saldanha BayA onA MayA 2,A 2025. A South African court found a woman guilty on May 2, 2025 of trafficking her six-year-old daughter who has been missing for more than a year, in a case that has outraged the nation. The two-month trial heard statements from various witnesses that Racquel "Kelly (Image: AFP via Getty Images)

The trial of Smith and collaborators captured the nation's attention, culminating with spontaneous applause within the courtroom as the life sentences were administered this week, reports the Express US.

Judge Nathan Erasmus, overseeing the proceedings, made no concessions for Smith, her companion, or their accomplice Steveno van Rhyn as he handed down the verdicts. His proclamation echoed through the court:

"On the human trafficking charge, you are sentenced to life imprisonment. On the kidnapping charge, you are sentenced to 10 years imprisonment."

Community members hold a painting of missing child Joshlin Smith (L on poster) ahead of the expected verdict against Kelly Smith, Joshlin's mother, and co-accused Steveno van Rhyn and Jacquen Appollis on charges of human trafficking and kidnapping, at a community hall in Saldanha BayA onA MayA 2,A 2025. (Photo by RODGER BOSCH / AFP) (Photo by RODGER BOSCH/AFP via Getty Images) (Image: AFP via Getty Images)

As the judgement was affirmed, cheers rippled through the courthouse, signifying a collective release of emotion as the high-profile case reached its conclusion.

Outraged family and community members vehemently condemned the mother and her co-defendants, with residents adamant that the trio should face a "harsh sentence because they deserve it."

Amanda Smith-Daniels, Joshlin's grandmother, issued an anguished appeal to her daughter to "bring my [grand]child back or tell me where she is."

Kelly Smith, the mother of missing child Joshlin Smith, gestures while seated in a community hall where the verdict is expected in the court case against her and other co-accused on charges of human trafficking and kidnapping, in Saldanha BayA onA MayA 2,A 2025. (Photo by RODGER BOSCH / AFP) (Photo by RODGER BOSCH/AFP via Getty Images) (Image: AFP via Getty Images)

A South African mother and two others were convicted on Friday on kidnapping and trafficking charges after authorities say she possibly sold her daughter to a local healer who wanted the 6-year-old child for her eye and skin color.Reuters reported that Kelly Smith was convicted on Friday, May 2, of trafficking her 6-year-old daughter, Joshlin Smith, who went missing in February 2024.The BBC also reported that Smith's boyfriend, Jacquen Appollis, and the couple's friend, Steveno van Rhyn, were also found guilty on kidnapping and trafficking charges related to Joshlin's disappearance. (Image: Facebook)

Kelly Smith (R), the mother of missing child Joshlin Smith, walks next to a South African Police Service (SAPS) after she and her and other co-accused were found guilty on charges of human trafficking and kidnapping, in Saldanha BayA onA MayA 2,A 2025. A South African court found a woman guilty on May 2, 2025 of trafficking her six-year-old daughter who has been missing for more than a year, in a case that has outraged the nation. The two-month trial heard statements from various witnesses that Racquel "Kelly" Smith had revealed to them that she had sold her daughter Joshlin in February 2024, including claims she was paid 20,000 rand ($1,085). Judge Nathan Erasmus said the evidence of 35 state witnesses led him to find that Smith, 35, and her two co-accused, a boyfriend and a mutual friend, were guilty on the charges of human trafficking and kidnapping. (Photo by RODGER BOSCH / AFP) (Photo by RODGER BOSCH/AFP via Getty Images) (Image: AFP via Getty Images)