Three people have been convicted of kidnapping and trafficking a six-year-old girl who disappeared a year ago near Cape Town and still hasn’t been found. The trio included the girl’s mother, the mother’s boyfriend and a family friend. All three received a life sentence for the human trafficking charge. They received an additional 10 years for the kidnapping charge reports the BBC.
Not a stretch to see “mother as the mastermind”
It is a common misconception that children who end up in modern slavery have been kidnapped by a stranger. Sadly, evidence often flips the script on this myth, and the highly publicized disappearance of Joshlin Smith is no exception. Described during sentencing as manipulative and someone who told “bald-faced lies”, Joshlin’s mother was potentially at the heart of the tragedy. A social worker connected to the case said it would not be a stretch to see her as “the mastermind behind the trafficking of her own daughter.”
Joshlin’s teacher alleged in court:
“(Joshlin’s mother) told her that her daughter was already ‘on a ship, inside a container, and they were on the way to West Africa’”.
A local pastor also testified saying that prior to the disappearance he had heard Joshlin’s mother talk of selling all three of her children for 20,000 rand ($1,100; £850) each. Further stating that she would be “willing to go as low as $275.”
Less “stranger danger” more “all in the family”
The Judge in the case said that the three perpetrators, including Joshlin’s mother, showed no remorse for their actions. Far from being strangers, it’s likely all three were known and trusted by Joshlin. Sadly, the judge said he could find nothing redeeming or deserving of a lesser sentence in any of their behavior. That included Joshlin’s mother who refused to testify during her trial. Perhaps the most shocking statement came from Lourentia Lombaard, a friend and neighbor of the family.
Lombaard alleged that Joshlin’s mother told her:
“…she had done ‘something silly’ and sold Joshlin to a traditional healer, known in South Africa as a ‘sangoma’ who allegedly wanted her for her eyes and skin.”
It was largely the testimonies of Lombaard and the clergyman that led to the conviction. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) was also lauded for proving that Joshlin was “sold [and] delivered to the intended buyer” for the purpose of “exploitation, namely slavery or practices similar to slavery”. Now that the trial is over, the search for Joshlin continues. Police said “We will not rest until we find [out] what happened to Joshlin. We are continuing day and night looking for her.”
Freedom United is interested in hearing from our community and welcomes relevant, informed comments, advice, and insights that advance the conversation around our campaigns and advocacy. We value inclusivity and respect within our community. To be approved, your comments should be civil.