Executive Summary
- Kelly Smith, her boyfriend Jacquen Appollis, and their friend Steveno van Rhyn were convicted of kidnapping and trafficking 6-year-old Joshlin Smith.
- Joshlin Smith remains missing since February 2024, fueling community outrage and continued search efforts.
- Testimony alleged Smith sold Joshlin to a traditional healer for approximately $1,000 for her body parts, though the court made no specific conclusions regarding this.
Event Overview
A South African woman, Kelly Smith, along with her boyfriend and a friend, have been convicted of kidnapping and trafficking her six-year-old daughter, Joshlin Smith, who went missing in February 2024. The case has garnered significant attention in South Africa due to the shocking nature of the crime and the ongoing search for the missing child. The trial was held in a larger venue to accommodate community interest and included disturbing allegations about the potential sale of the child for her body parts.
Media Coverage Comparison
| Source | Key Angle / Focus | Unique Details Mentioned | Tone |
|---|---|---|---|
| CBS News | Conviction of the mother and accomplices and the ongoing search for Joshlin. | Smith initially appeared as a figure of sympathy, with community members helping search for Joshlin. Mention of Smith's mother being angry and wanting to know Joshlin's whereabouts. | Objective, informative. |
| BBC News | The details of the trial, including witness testimonies and reactions to the verdict. | Lourentia Lombaard's testimony about Smith selling Joshlin for her eyes and skin. Mention of a local pastor's testimony about Smith discussing selling her children in the past. Details about the trial venue being moved to accommodate the community. | Detailed, factual. |
| PEOPLE | The conviction and the allegations surrounding the reason for Joshlin's disappearance. | Reports that Smith told her daughter's teacher Joshlin was on a ship to West Africa. Confirmed that a woman believed to be a healer was arrested and questioned, but was later released due to lack of evidence. | Matter-of-fact, focused on crime details. |
| AP News | Conviction of the mother and accomplices and the ongoing search for Joshlin. | Smith initially appeared as a figure of sympathy, with community members helping search for Joshlin. Mention of Smith's mother being angry and wanting to know Joshlin's whereabouts. | Objective, informative. |
Key Details & Data Points
- What: Kelly Smith, her boyfriend Jacquen Appollis, and their friend Steveno van Rhyn were convicted of kidnapping and human trafficking in connection to the disappearance of Joshlin Smith. Allegations arose during the trial that Smith sold Joshlin to a traditional healer for approximately $1,000.
- Who: Key individuals include Kelly Smith (the mother), Jacquen Appollis (boyfriend), Steveno van Rhyn (friend), Joshlin Smith (the victim), Lourentia Lombaard (neighbor and state witness), and Judge Nathan Erasmus.
- When: Joshlin Smith disappeared in February 2024. The conviction occurred on Friday, May 2, 2025. Sentencing hearings are scheduled to begin next week.
- Where: The events occurred in Saldanha Bay, a town near Cape Town, South Africa. The trial was held in a sports center in Saldanha Bay.
Key Statistics:
- Key statistic 1: $1,000 (alleged amount Smith received for selling Joshlin)
- Key statistic 2: 6 years old (Joshlin's age when she disappeared)
- Key statistic 3: Life in prison (potential sentence for Smith, Appollis, and van Rhyn)
Analysis & Context
The Joshlin Smith case has deeply affected South Africa, highlighting concerns about the vulnerability of children in impoverished communities and the persistence of harmful traditional beliefs. The conviction of Kelly Smith and her accomplices brings a measure of justice, but the fact that Joshlin remains missing underscores the ongoing tragedy. The trial exposed disturbing allegations, including the potential involvement of a traditional healer and the exploitation of children for body parts, prompting wider discussions about child safety and traditional practices.
Notable Quotes
"She must tell me where my grandchild is,"
sold my child to a sangoma.
Conclusion
The conviction of Kelly Smith, Jacquen Appollis, and Steveno van Rhyn marks a significant development in the Joshlin Smith case. However, the primary concern remains the unresolved mystery of Joshlin's whereabouts. The South African police have stated their intention to continue searching for the missing girl. The case has brought to light the vulnerability of children in South Africa's poorer communities and the persistence of beliefs related to traditional healers and the use of body parts.
Disclaimer: This article was generated by an AI system that synthesizes information from multiple news sources. While efforts are made to ensure accuracy and objectivity, reporting nuances, potential biases, or errors from original sources may be reflected. The information presented here is for informational purposes and should be verified with primary sources, especially for critical decisions.
