Joshlin's mother and her co-accused face serious charges amid claims that a traditional healer sought the child for her unique physical traits.
**Court Case Unveils Shocking Allegations in Disappearance of South African Girl**
**Court Case Unveils Shocking Allegations in Disappearance of South African Girl**
An ongoing trial sheds light on the disturbing circumstances surrounding the kidnapping of six-year-old Joshlin Smith, missing since February 2024.
The trial concerning the disappearance of six-year-old Joshlin Smith has exposed shocking allegations, revealing that a traditional healer allegedly desired the child for her "eyes and skin." This unsettling claim emerged during the ongoing proceedings against Joshlin's mother, Kelly Smith, her boyfriend Jacquen Appollis, and their friend Steveno van Rhyn, all of whom plead not guilty to charges of kidnapping and human trafficking.
Since Joshlin's disappearance from her home in Saldanha Bay near Cape Town in February 2024, a major search effort has failed to yield any results, leaving the community and the nation in shock. Initial reports indicated that Smith had allegedly left her daughter in the care of her boyfriend, only to report her missing over six hours later. Prosecutors have since accused her of fabricating the events surrounding her daughter's disappearance and suggested that she sold her child, pointing to a range of alarming testimonies.
As the trial continues into its third week at a community center, the testimony provided by a local pastor claimed that in 2023, Smith had talked about selling her children for 20,000 rand (approximately $1,100), although she was open to receiving a lesser amount. Further, Joshlin's teacher testified that during the search, Smith claimed her daughter was already "on a ship, inside a container, and on the way to West Africa," raising further suspicion about her credibility.
One key witness, Lourentia Lombaard, a neighbor and friend of Smith, testified that she overheard Smith admitting to "doing something silly" by selling her child to a sangoma, a traditional healer. Lombaard described seeing Smith packing Joshlin's clothes and accompanying her to meet a woman at the anticipated meeting point. Lombaard expressed deep regret for not being able to intervene and prevent the alleged sale.
The identity of the alleged healer remains unclear, but a previous suspect was arrested alongside Smith and her associates before the charges were dropped due to insufficient evidence. While South Africa recognizes traditional healing practices, there have been instances of exploitation and unethical behaviors related to such practitioners, leading to fears surrounding the well-being of vulnerable children.
As the trial is set to continue until March 28, friends and family of Joshlin, along with the community, continue to mourn her absence and hope for her safe return. Lombaard implored whoever has her to "please bring her back alive," underscoring the urgent plea for justice and resolution in this heart-wrenching case.
Since Joshlin's disappearance from her home in Saldanha Bay near Cape Town in February 2024, a major search effort has failed to yield any results, leaving the community and the nation in shock. Initial reports indicated that Smith had allegedly left her daughter in the care of her boyfriend, only to report her missing over six hours later. Prosecutors have since accused her of fabricating the events surrounding her daughter's disappearance and suggested that she sold her child, pointing to a range of alarming testimonies.
As the trial continues into its third week at a community center, the testimony provided by a local pastor claimed that in 2023, Smith had talked about selling her children for 20,000 rand (approximately $1,100), although she was open to receiving a lesser amount. Further, Joshlin's teacher testified that during the search, Smith claimed her daughter was already "on a ship, inside a container, and on the way to West Africa," raising further suspicion about her credibility.
One key witness, Lourentia Lombaard, a neighbor and friend of Smith, testified that she overheard Smith admitting to "doing something silly" by selling her child to a sangoma, a traditional healer. Lombaard described seeing Smith packing Joshlin's clothes and accompanying her to meet a woman at the anticipated meeting point. Lombaard expressed deep regret for not being able to intervene and prevent the alleged sale.
The identity of the alleged healer remains unclear, but a previous suspect was arrested alongside Smith and her associates before the charges were dropped due to insufficient evidence. While South Africa recognizes traditional healing practices, there have been instances of exploitation and unethical behaviors related to such practitioners, leading to fears surrounding the well-being of vulnerable children.
As the trial is set to continue until March 28, friends and family of Joshlin, along with the community, continue to mourn her absence and hope for her safe return. Lombaard implored whoever has her to "please bring her back alive," underscoring the urgent plea for justice and resolution in this heart-wrenching case.
