The mother of a South African girl, who disappeared aged six more than a year ago, has been convictedof kidnapping and trafficking her daughter. Kelly Smith, her boyfriend Jacquen Appollis and their friend Steveno van Rhyn were arrested after Smith's daughter, Joshlin, went missing from outside her home in Saldanha Bay, near Cape Town, in February last year. Appollis and Rhyn were also found guilty on Friday of kidnapping and trafficking Joshlin. All three had previously pleaded not guilty to to these charges. Joshlin's disappearance sent shockwaves across South Africa and despite a highly publicised search for her, she is yet to be found. During the trial, held in March, prosecutors accused Smith of having "sold, delivered or exchanged" Joshlin and then lied about her disappearance. Smith wiped tears from her eyes when the guilty verdict was read, while van Rhyn inexplicably broke into a smile. Applause rippled through the packed court room and some onlookers began to cry. The trial was held in Saldanha's Multipurpose Centre to cater for the huge public interest. Ahead of the verdict, nearby roads had been closed, while police officers were deployed in and around the centre. Smith's trial captivated South Africa, with witnesses and prosecutors making a number of shocking allegations. The most explosive came from Lourentia Lombaard, a friend and neighbour of Smith who turned state witness. Ms Lombaard alleged that Smith told her she had done "something silly" and sold Joshlin to a traditional healer, known in South Africa as a "sangoma". The "person who [allegedly took] Joshlin wanted her for her eyes and skin", Ms Lombaard told the court. A local pastor testified that in 2023, he had heard Smith - a mother of three - talk of selling her children for 20,000 rand ($1,100; £850) each, though she had said she was willing to accept a lower figure of $275. Joshlin's teacher then alleged in court that Ms Smith had 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". Smith's lawyer, Rinesh Sivnarain, cast doubt on these allegations. He cited inconsistencies - recognised by the prosecution - in Ms Lombaard's remarks and suggested she was an "opportunist". Sangomas are legally recognised in South Africa under the Traditional Health Practitioners Act of 2007, alongside herbalists, traditional birth attendants and traditional surgeons. Some charlatans are involved in unscrupulous traditional so-called cures, and have been known to sell good luck charms that involve body parts. Go toBBCAfrica.comfor more news from the African continent. Follow us on Twitter@BBCAfrica, on Facebook atBBC Africaor on Instagram atbbcafrica
South African woman convicted of kidnapping daughter Joshlin Smith
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Mother and Accomplices Convicted in Kidnapping Case of Missing South African Girl"
Bbc News
6.7
TruthLens AI Summary
Kelly Smith, a South African mother, has been convicted of kidnapping and trafficking her daughter, Joshlin Smith, who went missing at the age of six in February of the previous year. The conviction followed a trial that drew significant public attention, given the circumstances surrounding Joshlin's disappearance from her home in Saldanha Bay, near Cape Town. Alongside Smith, her boyfriend Jacquen Appollis and their friend Steveno van Rhyn were also found guilty of the same charges. All three defendants had previously pleaded not guilty, and their trial included harrowing testimonies from witnesses, including a neighbor who claimed Smith confessed to selling her daughter to a traditional healer, known as a sangoma. The courtroom was filled with emotion as the verdict was announced; Smith was seen crying, while van Rhyn reacted unexpectedly with a smile, prompting a mixture of applause and tears from the audience present in the packed Multipurpose Centre where the trial was held. The public interest was so high that security measures included road closures and police presence around the venue during the proceedings.
The case became a focal point for discussions around the safety of children in South Africa and the role of traditional practices in society. Witnesses provided alarming details, including claims made by a local pastor about Smith's willingness to sell her children for money, and a teacher's account of Smith suggesting that Joshlin was already being transported to West Africa in a container. Smith's defense attorney attempted to undermine the credibility of the witness testimonies by highlighting inconsistencies in their statements. The case has raised concerns about the involvement of unscrupulous individuals in traditional healing practices, which are legally recognized in South Africa but can sometimes lead to exploitative situations. As the investigation continues, the fate of Joshlin remains uncertain, and her disappearance has left a profound impact on the community and the nation as a whole.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article outlines a disturbing case involving a mother in South Africa who has been convicted of kidnapping and trafficking her daughter, Joshlin Smith. This troubling narrative not only highlights the individual actions of Kelly Smith and her accomplices but also reflects broader societal concerns regarding child safety and the potential for systemic failures in protecting vulnerable populations.
Public Reaction and Sentiment
The conviction has sparked significant public interest and emotional responses. The courtroom's atmosphere, marked by tears and applause, illustrates the community's deep concern for Joshlin's fate. The high-profile nature of the case, with its shocking allegations, has galvanized public attention, perhaps serving to heighten awareness about child trafficking issues in South Africa.
Implications and Underlying Issues
This case raises questions about the societal factors contributing to such crimes. The mention of traditional healers and the alleged motivations behind the kidnapping—specifically the disturbing claim that Joshlin was wanted for her eyes and skin—reflects cultural beliefs that can sometimes exploit vulnerable children. It’s essential to consider whether this case is an isolated incident or indicative of a more extensive problem regarding child safety and trafficking in South Africa.
Media Influence and Narrative Control
The article appears to be constructed to elicit outrage and concern from the public. By focusing on the emotional reactions during the trial and the shocking testimonies, it aims to shape a narrative that emphasizes the severity of the crime and the need for vigilant protection of children. The emotional weight of the story may also serve to distract from other societal issues, potentially manipulating public focus away from systemic shortcomings in child protection services.
Potential Societal Impact
The aftermath of such a high-profile case could influence public policy and law enforcement practices regarding child welfare and trafficking. Increased awareness might lead to more significant advocacy for better protective measures, reforms, and community engagement in safeguarding children. However, it could also provoke fear within communities, possibly leading to over-policing or stigmatization of certain cultural practices.
Target Demographics and Community Response
The narrative resonates particularly with parents and community members concerned about child safety. It appeals to individuals who advocate for justice and transparency in child protection systems. The emotional content is likely to engage those who feel passionate about social justice and child welfare, potentially mobilizing support for related causes.
Market and Economic Repercussions
While the article primarily focuses on social issues, it could have indirect effects on local economies, particularly those reliant on tourism or community engagement. Concerns about safety could deter visitors, affecting local businesses. There may be a broader conversation about investments in community programs aimed at preventing such crimes, which could lead to shifts in funding priorities.
Global Context and Relevance
The case ties into larger global conversations about child trafficking and exploitation. As child safety becomes an increasing concern worldwide, incidents like this can provoke international scrutiny and collaborative efforts to combat trafficking.
The narrative’s construction suggests a manipulative angle, aiming to evoke a strong emotional response while potentially overshadowing broader systemic issues. The language used paints a vivid picture of horror and injustice, possibly steering public sentiment towards a singular focus on this case rather than a comprehensive understanding of the underlying societal problems.
In conclusion, the reliability of the article is supported by the conviction of those involved and the evidence presented in court. However, the emotional framing and focus on individual actions may obscure larger systemic issues needing attention.