South African Mother Sentenced to Life Imprisonment for Selling 6-Year-Old Daughter

cape town - A South African mother receives a life sentence for selling her daughter to a traditional healer, sparking national outrage and protests in Cape Town.

South African Mother Sells Daughter for 20,000 Rand

A South African court has sentenced Kelly Smith to life in prison for selling her 6-year-old daughter, Joshlin Smith, to a traditional healer for 20,000 rand in the Western Cape province. The incident caused widespread shock and protests.

Details of the Case

Smith, along with her partner Jacquen Appollis and friend Steveno Van Rhyn, were convicted of kidnapping and human trafficking after the girl went missing from their village. The mother confessed to selling her daughter due to financial reasons, offering the child for her 'skin and eyes'.

Lourentia Lombaard, a neighbor and friend, revealed that Smith had admitted her actions, saying, 'I did something stupid. I sold my child to a traditional healer.' Lombaard witnessed the exchange and reported that the child was handed over to the healer with a bag of clothes before leaving in a white car.

Sentencing and Reaction

Despite being a drug user, the court found no mitigating circumstances for Smith's actions, leading to a life sentence. The judge emphasized the severity of the crime, stating that no factors warranted a lesser punishment. Two accomplices also received life imprisonment.

The case has stirred emotions, resulting in protests and unrest outside the courthouse in Cape Town. The whereabouts of the young girl remain unknown, adding to the tragedy of the situation.