A South African woman, Kelly Smith, is currently on trial for allegedly kidnapping and selling her six-year-old daughter, Joshlin, who went missing over a year ago.
Smith is being charged alongside her partner, Jacquin Appollis, and another man, Steveno van Rhyn, in connection with Joshlin’s disappearance.
According to prosecutors, Smith orchestrated the abduction of her daughter in exchange for payment, and had been planning to sell Joshlin and her two other children since August 2023.
The case took a surprising turn when Smith, who had initially gained sympathy from the community for her daughter’s disappearance, was arrested and charged.
The trial is being held in a sports hall in Saldanha Bay to accommodate community members who wish to attend.
Judge Nathan Erasmus has warned that the three defendants could face life imprisonment if found guilty.
The community is outraged, with crowds gathering outside the sports hall, chanting “We want Joshlin back”.
The case has sparked widespread concern and anger, highlighting the need for greater protection of children against trafficking and exploitation.
