The trial of Kelly Smith, accused of orchestrating the kidnapping of her daughter Joshlin, reveals that the girl was allegedly sought by a traditional healer for her ‘eyes and skin.’ Smith, her boyfriend, and a friend have pleaded not guilty to charges of human trafficking. Noteworthy testimonies indicate a troubling pattern of behavior leading up to Joshlin’s disappearance, with the trial ongoing until 28 March 2024.
The alarming case of six-year-old Joshlin Smith, who vanished in February 2024 from her home in Saldanha Bay, South Africa, has taken a sinister turn in court. It has been revealed that a traditional healer allegedly sought Joshlin for her eyes and fair complexion. Her mother, Kelly Smith, alongside her boyfriend Jacquen Appollis and friend Steveno van Rhyn, faces charges of kidnapping and human trafficking but has pleaded not guilty.
During the trial, which has now extended into its third week, prosecutors indicated that Ms. Smith misled authorities about her daughter’s disappearance. Notably, she reported Joshlin missing more than six hours after the child was last noted to be in her care, raising suspicion about her calm demeanor amidst the search.
Further revelations came from testimonies, including a local pastor’s claim that Ms. Smith had previously expressed her willingness to sell her children for money. A teacher reported that Ms. Smith had stated her daughter was being transported overseas in a container. Moreover, a neighbor, Lourentia Lombaard, testified that Ms. Smith admitted to selling her daughter to a sangoma due to financial desperation.
According to Ms. Lombaard, she witnessed Ms. Smith preparing Joshlin’s belongings and leaving with a woman believed to be the traditional healer. Additionally, she mentioned that the individual seeking Joshlin expressed a specific interest in the girl’s eyes and skin. The fate of Joshlin remains unknown, as the trial continues until 28 March 2024, with profound implications regarding the cultural practices involving sangomas in South Africa.
The trial implicating Kelly Smith and her associates serves as a grave reminder of the serious risks children may face in circumstances of desperation and alleged traditional practices. As details continue to unfold, the legal proceedings highlight the urgency in addressing the safety of children and the implications of cultural beliefs in contemporary society.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
