Racquel 'Kelly' Smith, her boyfriend Jacquen Appollis, and their friend Steveno van Rhyn have been sentenced to life in prison in South Africa for the kidnapping and trafficking of Smith's six-year-old daughter, Joshlin Smith. Joshlin mysteriously disappeared in February 2024 from her home in Saldanha Bay, near Cape Town, and despite a highly publicized search, she has not yet been found. The sentencing follows a six-week trial that captivated South Africa with shocking allegations.
South African woman who sold daughter Joshlin Smith jailed for life
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TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️Racquel 'Kelly' Smith, her boyfriend Jacquen Appollis, and their friend Steveno van Rhyn have been sentenced to life in prison in South Africa for the kidnapping and trafficking of Smith's six-year-old daughter, Joshlin Smith. Joshlin mysteriously disappeared in February 2024 from her home in Saldanha Bay, near Cape Town, and despite a highly publicized search, she has not yet been found. The sentencing follows a six-week trial that captivated South Africa with shocking allegations.
Trending- 1 February 2024: Six-year-old Joshlin Smith disappears from her home in Saldanha Bay.
- 2 Early 2025 (implied): A six-week trial takes place for Racquel 'Kelly' Smith, Jacquen Appollis, and Steveno van Rhyn.
- 3 May 29, 2025: Racquel 'Kelly' Smith, Jacquen Appollis, and Steveno van Rhyn are sentenced to life in prison.
- Life imprisonment for the convicted individuals
- Joshlin Smith remains missing
- Public attention and concern over child trafficking and disappearances
What: A South African woman and two accomplices were sentenced to life imprisonment for the kidnapping and trafficking of her six-year-old daughter, Joshlin Smith, who disappeared over a year ago and remains missing.
When: February 2024 (Joshlin Smith disappeared); more than a year after (sentencing relative to disappearance); six-week trial (duration of the trial).
Where: Saldanha Bay, near Cape Town, South Africa.
Why: The mother was convicted of selling her daughter, indicating human trafficking for illicit gain.
How: Racquel 'Kelly' Smith, Jacquen Appollis, and Steveno van Rhyn were convicted of kidnapping and trafficking Joshlin Smith following a six-week trial, leading to their life sentences.