In Cape Town, South Africa, the trial of a woman accused of kidnapping and selling her young daughter commenced on Monday, drawing significant national attention.
Racquel Chantel Smith, known publicly as Kelly Smith, faces charges alongside her partner, Jacquin Appollis, and another accomplice, Steveno van Rhyn, in connection to the disappearance of her daughter, Joshlin. The little girl, who was 6 years old when she went missing over a year ago, remains unaccounted for despite an exhaustive national police search.
The charges against Smith, including kidnapping and human trafficking, allege that she orchestrated her daughter’s abduction in exchange for money, with Appollis and van Rhyn assisting in the plans. As their trial opened in Saldanha Bay, all three pled not guilty. A sports hall was chosen as the trial venue to accommodate community spectators.
Initially, Smith received widespread sympathy as news of Joshlin’s disappearance spread across South Africa, with residents rallying together to aid the police’s search near their neighborhood. Smith maintained that she left Joshlin with Appollis in February 2024, never reuniting with her daughter again.
The investigation took an unexpected turn when authorities questioned and consequently arrested Smith. Another woman, initially detained, was not charged but is anticipated to be a witness for the prosecution.
The prosecution’s indictment revealed disturbing claims that Smith had been contemplating selling her children since August 2023, although only Joshlin disappeared. Furthermore, witnesses allegedly spotted Smith and Joshlin entering a white vehicle with a clothing bag on the day she was reported missing.
The case has stirred intense outrage within the community, with crowds voicing their demands for Joshlin’s safe return outside the courthouse. The scene was marked by chants of “We want Joshlin back,” reflecting the emotional turmoil the case has caused.
Presiding Judge Nathan Erasmus warned that upon conviction, the defendants could potentially face life imprisonment for their roles in the alleged crimes.
