2 weeks Ago
Joshlin disappeared from outside her home in Saldanha Bay, near Cape Town, in February 2024 and her sentencing came more than a year afterwards. The child has yet to be located despite a massive public outcry and a nationwide search.
Judge Disapproves Trio, Citing No Remorse
Judge President Nathan Erasmus handed down a life sentence for human trafficking and 10 years for kidnapping to each of the three accused. Addressing a crowded community hall in Saldanha, where the trial was being heard, Judge Erasmus slammed the men for a lack of remorse and rebuffed pleas for clemency.
There is nothing I can find that is redeeming or deserving of a lower sentence," said Mphahlele, adding that the family, as well as the already fractured community in Middelpos where Joshlin lived, had been severely wounded.
Courtroom erupts with applause and emotion from members of the public as trio shows no reaction when sentences are announced
Horrific Accounts And Search Continues.
More than 30 witnesses testified in the trial, including some who painted a harrowing picture of Joshlin's life and disappearance. A key witness, Lourentia Lombaard, told the court that Smith confessed to selling her daughter to a traditional healer, or sangoma, for use in ritual practices. Lombaard said the girl was reportedly targeted because of her eyes and skin.
Other evidence included a pastor who said she heard Smith say she was planning to sell her children for as little as $275, and a teacher who told officers she heard Smith say that Joshlin was already "on a ship to West Africa".
Despite the convictions, the hunt for Joshlin still goes on. Western Cape Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Thembisile Patekile, assured that the search for the child is still ongoing.
Family and Community React
Joshlin's grandmother, Amanda Smith-Daniels, said she was heart-broken by the decision, adding that no sentence could bring back her granddaughter.
I just don't feel like whatever sentence they have is going to bring my grandchild back," she said. "We are broken."
She also begged her daughter to say what had happened:
"Return my [grand]child to me, or tell me where she is."
The trial and the mysterious vanishing of Joshlin Smith has shocked the local community and triggered a discussion across the nation over child protection, parenting and human trafficking in South Africa.
