The Shocking Truth: What Happened To Racquel 'Kelly' Smith And The Joshlin Smith Case

The name Racquel 'Kelly' Smith has become inextricably linked with one of the most heartbreaking and high-profile criminal cases in recent South African history, a case that has gripped the nation and sparked global outrage. As of this current date, December 18, 2025, Smith stands convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment for the kidnapping and trafficking of her six-year-old daughter, Joshlin Smith, whose disappearance from the coastal town of Saldanha Bay remains a devastating and unresolved mystery. This article delves into the biographical profile of the woman at the center of the tragedy and the shocking details that led to her conviction, based on the latest court proceedings and news reports.

The trial of Racquel Smith, along with her co-accused, concluded with a verdict that sent shockwaves across the Western Cape and beyond, highlighting the dark realities of child trafficking and the exploitation of vulnerable communities. The prosecution successfully argued that Smith and her accomplices had devised a heinous plan to sell the young girl to a traditional healer, or 'sangoma,' for financial gain, a motive rooted in drug addiction and desperation. The following sections provide an in-depth look at the woman behind the headlines and the timeline of the tragic events.

Racquel 'Kelly' Smith: A Devastating Biography Profile

The individual known primarily in the media as Kelly Smith has a full name of Racquel Chantel Smith. She became notorious as the mother of the missing six-year-old, Joshlin Smith, a case that quickly escalated from a missing person report to a major criminal investigation. Her life before the crime, as revealed in court proceedings, was marked by significant challenges and a history of substance abuse.

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• Full Name: Racquel Chantel Smith
• Known Alias: Kelly Smith
• Age: Reported to be 35 at the time of her conviction in 2025.
• Location: Saldanha Bay, Western Cape, South Africa.
• Victim: Her daughter, Joshlin Smith, aged 6.
• Co-Accused: Jacquen Appollis (her boyfriend/partner) and Steveno van Rhyn (a friend).
• Motive: Financial gain, reportedly to fund a drug habit, by selling her daughter for R20,000 (approximately $1,100).
• Family Background: Court testimony and social worker reports indicated a tumultuous family history involving drug use and neglect. Her mother, Amanda Daniels-Smith, publicly spoke about forgiving her daughter following the conviction.
• Conviction Date: May 2025 (Sentencing).
• Sentence: Life Imprisonment for kidnapping and child trafficking.

Prior to her arrest, Smith resided in the Middelpos informal settlement of Saldanha Bay, a community that rallied together in the initial, desperate search for Joshlin. The revelation that the mother herself was involved in the child's disappearance shattered the community and turned the focus of the investigation entirely on the devastating betrayal of trust. The case put a stark spotlight on the dire socio-economic conditions and rampant drug abuse plaguing parts of the Western Cape province.

The Disappearance of Joshlin Smith: A Timeline of Tragedy

The search for Joshlin Smith began on February 19, 2024, an event that would soon capture the attention of the entire nation. The initial report stated that the six-year-old had been left at home with her mother's boyfriend, Jacquen Appollis, because she was feeling unwell.

The official timeline of events quickly revealed a much darker narrative than a simple missing child case:

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• February 19, 2024: Joshlin Smith is reported missing from her home in Saldanha Bay.
• Initial Investigation: A massive search operation is launched, involving local police, community members, and various non-profit organizations. The case gains national prominence due to the child's young age and the lack of immediate leads.
• March 5, 2024: After weeks of intense searching and questioning, arrests are made, including Racquel Smith, Jacquen Appollis, and two other individuals.
• Court Revelations: During the trial, prosecutors presented evidence that Racquel Smith and her co-accused had conspired to sell Joshlin. A witness testified that Smith admitted to selling her daughter to a "sangoma" (traditional healer) for ritualistic purposes, specifically for her "eyes and skin," though the court ultimately convicted them on charges of kidnapping and trafficking.

The disappearance of Joshlin Smith became a symbol of the vulnerability of children in South Africa. Despite the convictions of the perpetrators, the most agonizing aspect of the case is that Joshlin remains missing. The failure to locate the child has left a permanent wound on the Saldanha Bay community and the broader South African public, fueling continued calls for justice and answers.

The Life Sentence: Conviction for Kidnapping and Trafficking

The trial of Racquel 'Kelly' Smith, Jacquen Appollis, and Steveno van Rhyn was a grueling process that laid bare the horrific details of the crime. The prosecution’s case centered on the argument that the three accused had actively planned and executed the sale of Joshlin Smith, a clear violation of human rights and a profound act of child trafficking. The court proceedings were held in the Western Cape, drawing massive public interest and media coverage.

The evidence presented, including admissions and witness testimony, convinced the court that the accused had organized the abduction and subsequent sale of the child for a sum of money. The legal system pursued the maximum penalty, recognizing the severity of the offense. The conviction was a significant victory for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), which had vowed to secure justice for the missing child and the community.

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The final verdict, delivered in May 2025, saw Racquel Smith and her co-accused sentenced to life imprisonment. This sentence reflected the court's view that the crime was premeditated, financially motivated, and involved the ultimate betrayal by a parent. The conviction was welcomed by Western Cape Minister of Police Oversight and Community Safety, Anroux Marais, as a necessary step in addressing the scourge of violence against children.

The entities involved in the case—from the South African Police Service (SAPS) to the various community search groups and the judicial system—have all played a part in bringing the perpetrators to justice. The life sentences serve as a powerful deterrent and a statement against the heinous crime of child trafficking, particularly when committed by a family member. The case has also led to renewed scrutiny of the role of traditional healers and the potential for ritualistic crime in the region.

Topical Entities and LSI Keywords Surrounding the Case

The complexity and national scope of the Joshlin Smith case have generated a large number of related entities and keywords that provide topical authority to the event. These include:

• Geographical Locations: Saldanha Bay, Western Cape, Middelpos informal settlement.
• Legal and Enforcement Bodies: National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), South African Police Service (SAPS), Western Cape High Court.
• Key Individuals: Joshlin Smith (victim), Racquel Chantel Smith (mother/convicted), Jacquen Appollis (boyfriend/convicted), Steveno van Rhyn (co-accused/convicted), Amanda Daniels-Smith (mother of Racquel).
• Criminal Charges: Kidnapping, Child Trafficking, Life Sentence, Conviction, Ritualistic Killing (alleged motive).
• Associated Terms: Traditional Healer, Sangoma, Substance Abuse, Drug Addiction, Child Disappearance, Missing Persons Case.

The ongoing public interest is focused not only on the sentences but on the desperate hope that the convictions will finally lead to the recovery of Joshlin Smith, bringing closure to a nation deeply affected by the tragedy. The saga of Racquel 'Kelly' Smith has become a cautionary tale about the devastating consequences of addiction, desperation, and the ultimate failure of parental responsibility.