A South African mother, Kelly Smith, whose full name is Racquel Chantel Smith, has gone on trial for allegedly orchestrating the abduction of her six-year-old daughter, Joshlin, in exchange for money.

Smith, along with her partner Jacquin Appollis and a friend Stevenovan Rhyn, denies the charges. The trial commenced on Monday in Saldanha Bay, a coastal town approximately 116 km (72 miles) north of Cape Town.

Joshlin, who vanished in February 2024, remains missing despite an extensive police search. Initially, Smith gained public sympathy, with neighbors joining efforts to find the child, scouring nearby Sand Dunes. However, per SKy News, authorities later arrested her after suspecting her involvement.

Kelly claims she left Joshlin with Appollis on the day of her disappearance and never saw her again. Another woman was also arrested but later released and is expected to testify against the accused.

According to court documents, prosecutors allege that Kelly Smith had been planning to sell Joshlin and her two other children since August 2023, though only Joshlin disappeared. Witnesses reportedly saw Kelly and Joshlin entering a white vehicle with a bag of clothes on the day the girl went missing.

The case has sparked public outrage, with protesters demanding Joshlin’s return. Demonstrations were previously held during a pre-trial hearing in March 2024 in Vredenburg, Saldanha Bay.

Authorities continue their search. Joshlin’s missing person alert is still active on the South African Police Service (SAPS) website. It describes her as last seen wearing a blue T-shirt and denim trousers, with a birthmark on her right arm.

Judge Nathan Erasmus stated that if convicted, the defendants could face life imprisonment. The trial remains ongoing.

#Clique, what are your thoughts?