Missing South African girl was wanted for her ‘eyes and skin’

Joshlin Smith has been missing since February 19, 2024.

|Published 1:00 PM ET, Wednesday March 19, 2025|

In February 2024, six-year-old Joshlin Smith disappeared from her home in Saldanha Bay, South Africa. Her mother, Kelly Smith, is currently on trial alongside her partner, Jacquen Appollis, and friend, Steveno van Rhyn, facing charges of kidnapping and human trafficking. ​

State witness Lourentia Lombaard testified that Kelly Smith admitted to selling Joshlin to a traditional healer, known as a sangoma, for R20,000 due to financial struggles. The sangoma allegedly sought Joshlin for her distinctive green eyes and pale skin. ​

Another neighbor, Paulina Tshosa, reported witnessing Smith forcibly taking Joshlin into a shack the night before her disappearance. Additionally, Joshlin’s teacher testified that Smith mentioned her daughter was “on a ship, inside a container, and they were on the way to West Africa.” ​

Despite extensive searches and investigations, Joshlin remains missing. The trial continues, with the community closely monitoring developments and advocating for justice.​

For more details, you can watch the following news report: