A South African woman, Kelly Smith, has been convicted of kidnapping and trafficking her six-year-old daughter, Joshlin Smith, who went missing more than a year ago.
Smith’s boyfriend, Jacquen Appollis, and their friend, Steveno van Rhyn, were also found guilty of the same charges.
The conviction came after a trial that captivated South Africa, with shocking allegations made against Smith, including claims that she had “sold, delivered or exchanged” Joshlin and then lied about her disappearance.
Some witnesses testified that Smith had discussed selling her children, and one alleged that Joshlin was taken for her eyes and skin to be used in traditional healing practices.
Despite the guilty verdict, Joshlin remains missing, and her disappearance continues to spark concerns about child safety in South Africa’s poor communities.
The case has highlighted the vulnerability of children and the need for increased protection and awareness.
