A South African mother, Kelly Smith, along with her boyfriend, Jacquen Appollis, and their friend, Steveno Van Rhyn, has been sentenced to life imprisonment for trafficking her then-6-year-old daughter, Joshlin Smith. The case drew significant public attention when Joshlin went missing last year from their small town in the Western Cape. During the trial, shocking testimony revealed that Smith allegedly sold her daughter to a traditional healer, or sangoma, for 20,000 rand ($1,100), citing the girl’s “eyes and skin” as desirable traits.
Despite extensive police search efforts, Joshlin has not yet been located. High Court Judge Nathan Erasmus condemned the heinous nature of the crime, emphasizing that being drug users did not mitigate their responsibility or warrant leniency in sentencing. He stated there were no redeeming qualities in their actions to justify anything less than the strictest penalties. In addition to life sentences for trafficking, the trio received 10-year sentences for kidnapping.
The court’s ruling reflects a broader societal revulsion towards child trafficking and underscores a commitment to protecting vulnerable children in South Africa. This case serves as a grim reminder of the desperation that can lead to such atrocities and the urgent need for continued vigilance and enforcement against child exploitation.
Overall, the sentences aim to send a strong message about the severity of child trafficking and the responsibilities of parents and guardians in safeguarding their children’s welfare.
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