Mother Sentenced to Life for Trafficking Her Six-Year-Old Daughter in South Africa

In a shocking courtroom revelation, a woman and her accomplices have received life sentences for the kidnapping and trafficking of her own young daughter, highlighting alarming issues of child safety in South Africa.

Five minutes ago, a South African court delivered a life sentence to Racquel "Kelly" Smith, along with her boyfriend Jacquen Appollis and their friend Steveno van Rhyn, for the heinous crime of kidnapping and trafficking her six-year-old daughter, Joshlin Smith. This sentence comes more than a year after Joshlin vanished outside her home in Saldanha Bay, near Cape Town, in February 2024. The high-profile case attracted nationwide attention as extensive searches proved futile in locating the missing child.

The trial spanned six weeks and revealed disturbing evidence, with witnesses and prosecutors presenting shocking allegations regarding the trio's actions. Despite the intense public interest and media coverage surrounding the case, Joshlin's whereabouts remain unknown.

The finality of the life sentences serves as a grim reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by children in South Africa, raising critical discussions about the effectiveness of current safeguards against child trafficking. This news is still developing, and more details will be provided as they become available. For real-time updates, you can follow @BBCBreaking on X or stay connected through the BBC News App.