Testimony Reveals Involvement of 'Sangoma' in Human Trafficking
It has been revealed that the true perpetrator behind the disappearance of a 6-year-old girl in South Africa one year ago was her own mother, who had initially reported her missing.
Mother convicted of human trafficking for abducting daughter reported missing in South Africa. Photo by EPA Yonhap News
On May 2 (local time), South African media outlet eNCA reported that the Western Cape High Court convicted Kelly Smith, her boyfriend Jaquin Apollis, and their friend Steven Van Reen of kidnapping and trafficking Smith's daughter, Joslin. All three defendants, including Smith, maintained their innocence throughout the trial, but the court did not accept their claims.
Previously, on February 19 of last year, Smith reported to the police that her daughter Joslin, whom she had left in the care of her live-in boyfriend, had gone missing. This led to a large-scale search operation that began around their home in Saldanha Bay, Western Cape Province, and expanded nationwide. The case drew nationwide attention in South Africa, with police, firefighters, navy personnel, special detection dogs, and even volunteer organizations mobilized for the search.
The group including the mother of the girl and her boyfriend, who were sentenced last year for kidnapping and trafficking a 6-year-old girl in South Africa. Photo by EPA Yonhap News
At the time, some media outlets reported that Smith had sold Joslin for about $1,100 (approximately 1.54 million won). However, Smith denied these allegations, claiming she was being framed by her neighbors. Nevertheless, in March of the same year, evidence of trafficking emerged when Joslin's abandoned clothes were found in a field about 1 kilometer from their home, leading to the arrest of Smith and her accomplices.
During the trial, Smith's friend and neighbor, Laurentia Lombard, testified as a witness. She stated, "Smith sold her daughter to a Sangoma," and added, "The person who took the child was interested in her eyes and skin." A Sangoma is a type of African shaman and traditional healer, officially recognized as a legitimate medical practitioner in South Africa since 2007. However, there are still some who engage in illegal activities, such as selling charms made from body parts. The witness testified that Smith sold Joslin to a Sangoma involved in such illegal practices.
Despite the extensive search efforts, there is still no information regarding Joslin's whereabouts or whether she is alive. The police plan to continue searching for Joslin. Meanwhile, there is widespread expectation locally that Smith and her accomplices will receive life sentences. They will remain in custody until sentencing.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
