In a heart-wrenching case that has gripped South Africa, six-year-old Joshlin Smith was abducted and sold by her own mother, Racquel “Kelly” Smith, to a so-called “healer” for her fair skin and striking turquoise eyes. This shocking crime has not only shattered a community but also cast a spotlight on the horrifying trade in human body parts for ritualistic practices, known as “muti,” in parts of Africa.
A Mother’s Betrayal: The Joshlin Smith Case
On February 19, 2024, Joshlin vanished from her home in the Middelpos informal settlement in Saldanha Bay, Western Cape. Her mother, Kelly Smith, 35, along with her boyfriend Jacquen Appollis and friend Steveno van Rhyn, were convicted of kidnapping and human trafficking. On May 29, 2025, the trio received life sentences for trafficking and 10 years for kidnapping, to be served concurrently.
A key witness, Lourentia Lombaard, revealed a chilling detail: Kelly confessed to selling Joshlin to a traditional healer, or sangoma, for 20,000 rand (about $1,100). The sangoma allegedly sought Joshlin for her “light eyes and skin,” traits believed to hold mystical value in certain rituals. Despite extensive searches involving police, drones, and volunteers, Joshlin remains missing, leaving her family and community in anguish.
Did You Know? Over 1,300 children are reported kidnapped in South Africa every month, with many cases linked to trafficking for exploitation, including the gruesome trade in body parts.
The Dark Trade of “Muti” and Body Parts
The Joshlin Smith case is a grim reminder of a sinister practice in parts of Africa, where human body parts are harvested for “muti” rituals. These rituals, falsely believed to bring wealth or power, often target vulnerable groups like children or people with albinism. In South Africa, sangomas are respected healers, but a small minority exploit this trust, fueling a black market for human remains.
Children like Joshlin, with unique physical traits, are particularly at risk. In countries like Tanzania, individuals with albinism face similar dangers, with their bones and hair used in potions or charms. Experts estimate thousands of children go missing annually in South Africa alone, many falling victim to trafficking for sex, slavery, or ritualistic purposes.
A Community in Fear and Grief
The disappearance of Joshlin, often compared to the case of Madeleine McCann due to its widespread attention, has left Saldanha Bay reeling. Joshlin’s grandmother, Amanda Smith-Daniels, spoke of the family’s heartbreak: “We are broken. We just want to know where she is.” Parents in the area now keep their children indoors, fearing similar abductions.
Social media has amplified both awareness and misinformation. One viral post falsely claimed Kelly confessed to Joshlin’s murder for muti, but court records confirm no such confession, and Joshlin’s fate remains unknown. This highlights the need for accurate reporting in such sensitive cases.
What’s Being Done?
South African authorities are cracking down on trafficking, with harsher penalties and increased police efforts. Organizations like Missing Children South Africa work tirelessly to reunite families, reporting that 8,743 children went missing over the past decade, though many are found. Community initiatives are also raising awareness about the dangers of muti-related crimes and advocating for stronger child protection laws.
However, poverty and desperation, as seen in Kelly Smith’s drug addiction, remain key drivers of these crimes. Addressing these root causes is critical to preventing future tragedies.
How You Can Help
The fight against child trafficking requires collective action. Here’s how you can make a difference:
- Stay Informed: Follow trusted news sources to understand the scope of trafficking and muti crimes.
- Support Organizations: Donate to or volunteer with groups like Missing Children South Africa.
- Raise Awareness: Share verified information to combat myths and misinformation.
- Advocate: Push for policies that address poverty and strengthen child protection.
Joshlin’s story is a call to action. By working together, we can protect vulnerable children and ensure no family endures this pain again.
Final Thoughts
The loss of Joshlin Smith is a tragedy that resonates far beyond South Africa. It’s a stark reminder of the dangers children face in vulnerable communities and the urgent need to combat the illegal trade in human body parts. As the search for Joshlin continues, her story inspires hope for change and a renewed commitment to justice.
