Mother Jailed for Life After Selling Daughter for £800

A South African mother has been sentenced to life imprisonment for the horrific crime of selling her six-year-old daughter, Joshlin Smith, to a traditional healer. Joshlin, described as having a fair complexion and striking turquoise eyes, vanished from outside her home in Saldanha Bay near Cape Town in February. Court testimony revealed the shocking details: the mother, Racquel 'Kelly' Smith, accepted a mere £800 for her child, allegedly even willing to settle for half that amount. Two other individuals were also implicated in the kidnapping and trafficking. "It was a heartbreaking case," stated a court official, "the callous disregard for the child's life is simply appalling." Despite an extensive search, Joshlin has not been found, leaving the community devastated and highlighting the ongoing struggle against child exploitation in the region. The case serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of children and the urgent need for stronger protective measures.