Betrayal of Innocence: Mother Convicted of Kidnapping and Trafficking Own Daughter

Joshlin Smith still missing despite guilty verdict to her mother Kelly Smith with her allies.

In a shocking and disturbing case that gripped the nation, Kelly Smith, a mother of three, has been convicted of kidnapping and trafficking her own six-year-old daughter, Joshlin. Smith's boyfriend, Jacquen Appollis, and their friend, Steveno van Rhyn, were also found guilty of the same heinous crimes.

The verdict, delivered after a highly publicized trial, sent shockwaves through the community and sparked widespread outrage. The court's decision was met with a mixture of emotions, as some onlookers applauded while others broke down in tears.

According to the prosecution, Smith had "sold, delivered or exchanged" Joshlin and then lied about her disappearance. The allegations that emerged during the trial were nothing short of horrific, painting a picture of a mother who had callously betrayed her own child's trust.

One of the most explosive witnesses was Lourentia Lombaard, a friend and neighbor of Smith who turned state witness. Lombaard alleged that Smith had told her she sold Joshlin to a traditional healer, known as a "sangoma," who wanted the girl for her eyes and skin. This chilling testimony sent shivers down the spines of those in the courtroom.

Other witnesses, including a local pastor and Joshlin's teacher, also testified about Smith's alleged plans to sell her children. The pastor claimed that Smith had talked about selling her children for 20,000 rand ($1,100; £850) each, while the teacher alleged that Smith had told her Joshlin was already "on a ship, inside a container, and they were on the way to West Africa" during the search.

As the guilty verdict was read, Smith wiped tears from her eyes, while van Rhyn inexplicably broke into a smile. The contrast between their reactions only added to the sense of outrage and disgust that many felt.

The conviction of Kelly Smith, Jacquen Appollis, and Steveno van Rhyn serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of human trafficking and the importance of protecting our most vulnerable members of society. As the case moves forward, the court will determine the sentences for the convicted trio, and the search for Joshlin will continue.

This case is a painful reminder that sometimes, the greatest threats to our children come from those who are supposed to love and protect them. The betrayal of innocence that Joshlin suffered at the hands of her own mother is a tragedy that will have far-reaching consequences for all involved.

Kelly Smith, Jacquen Appolis and Stevano van Rhyn appeared in the high court sitting at the Saldanha Bay Multi-Purpose Centre in Saldanha Bay.