South African Mother Sentenced to Life for Selling Daughter

South African Mother Sentenced to Life Imprisonment for Selling Daughter A South African court delivered a life sentence to Raquel Smith, 35, for the horrific crime of selling her six-year-old daughter, Jocelyn Smith. The incident occurred in Saldanha Bay, a small fishing town 135 kilometers from Cape Town. Jocelyn disappeared from her home in February 2024, prompting a nationwide search and an outpouring of public sympathy for the missing child. The trial revealed the shocking details of the crime, with prosecutors alleging Smith sold Jocelyn to a traditional healer for $1100. The judge, in his sentencing remarks, stated, "There is nothing that can justify such a heinous act." Smith showed no remorse throughout the proceedings. The case highlights the ongoing challenges of child exploitation and human trafficking in South Africa. The successful prosecution and life sentence offer a measure of justice for Jocelyn and a warning against such crimes.