The Chilling Case of Joshlin Smith: A Glimpse into South Africa’s Dark Underbelly
The Disappearance of Joshlin Smith
The disappearance of six-year-old Joshlin Smith from Saldanha Bay, near Cape Town, in February 2024, sent shockwaves across South Africa. Despite a highly publicized search, the young girl remains missing. The ongoing trial of her mother, Kelly Smith, and her co-accused, Jacquen Appollis and Steveno van Rhyn, has revealed a web of allegations that include human trafficking and kidnapping. All three have pleaded not guilty to these charges.
A Mother’s Alleged Involvement
Kelly Smith initially claimed that Joshlin had gone missing while in the care of her boyfriend, Jacquen Appollis. However, prosecutors later accused her of "sold, delivered or exchanged" the six-year-old and lying about her disappearance. The trial, which is now in its third week, has uncovered a series of shocking details that paint a grim picture of the events leading up to Joshlin’s disappearance.
The Role of Traditional Healers
One of the most disturbing allegations involves a traditional healer, known in South Africa as a "sangoma." Lourentia Lombaard, a friend and neighbor of Ms. Smith, testified that Ms. Smith confessed to selling her daughter to a sangoma. Lombaard’s testimony revealed that Ms. Smith was driven by a desperate need for money and had promised those who knew of the plan some money in return for their silence.
The Trial’s Shocking Revelations
During the trial, several key pieces of evidence were presented:
- Delayed Police Alert: Ms. Smith only alerted the police more than six hours after noticing Joshlin’s disappearance.
- Calm Demeanor: She appeared calm during the frantic search and seemed more concerned about her boyfriend’s whereabouts than the missing child.
- Pastor’s Testimony: A local pastor testified that Ms. Smith had talked about selling her children for 20,000 rand ($1,100, £850) each as early as 2023.
- Teacher’s Allegation: Joshlin’s teacher alleged that Ms. Smith told her during the search that her daughter was already "on a ship, inside a container, and they were on the way to West Africa."
The Sangoma’s Motivation
Ms. Lombaard’s testimony detailed how Ms. Smith packed some clothes for Joshlin into a black bag and carried it to meet a woman believed to be the sangoma. The mother and daughter got into a white car and drove away with the woman. Lombaard also revealed that the person who allegedly took Joshlin wanted her for her eyes and skin, although the reason for this was not clear in court.
The Legal and Cultural Context
Sangomas are legally recognized in South Africa under the Traditional Health Practitioners Act of 2007. However, some charlatans engage in unscrupulous practices, including selling good luck charms that involve body parts. A woman believed to be a traditional healer was initially arrested and charged alongside Ms. Smith and her co-accused but was later released due to a lack of evidence.
The Impact on Society
The case of Joshlin Smith has raised serious questions about the role of traditional healers in South African society and the potential for exploitation. It has also highlighted the need for stricter regulations and oversight of traditional practices to prevent such tragedies.
The Future of Traditional Healing in South Africa
As the trial continues, it is clear that the case of Joshlin Smith will have a lasting impact on how traditional healing is perceived and regulated in South Africa. The need for better protection of vulnerable individuals, especially children, is paramount. The case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that can arise from unscrupulous practices and the importance of vigilance in safeguarding the most vulnerable members of society.
FAQ Section
Q: What are sangomas?
A: Sangomas are traditional healers in South Africa who are legally recognized under the Traditional Health Practitioners Act of 2007. They are believed to provide advice and healing through ancestral spirits.
Q: Why would a sangoma want a child’s eyes and skin?
A: The motivations behind such actions are not clear, but it is believed that some charlatans engage in unscrupulous practices, including selling good luck charms that involve body parts.
Q: What are the charges against Kelly Smith and her co-accused?
A: Kelly Smith, Jacquen Appollis, and Steveno van Rhyn have been charged with human trafficking and kidnapping.
Q: What is the current status of the trial?
A: The trial is ongoing and is expected to run until 28 March.
Did You Know?
Traditional healers play a significant role in South African culture, but their practices are not always transparent. The Traditional Health Practitioners Act of 2007 aims to regulate these practices, but enforcement remains a challenge.
Pro Tips
- Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date with the latest developments in the trial to understand the broader implications for traditional healing practices in South Africa.
- Support Victims: Advocate for better protection and support for victims of human trafficking and exploitation.
- Educate Yourself: Learn more about the cultural and legal context of traditional healing in South Africa to better understand the complexities of this case.
Call to Action
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