Amanda Daniels-Smith, the mother of convicted kidnapper Racquel “Kelly” Smith, made an emotional appeal for truth and justice during sentencing proceedings this week at the Vredenburg Magistrate’s Court. Her daughter was found guilty of kidnapping and human trafficking in the disappearance of six-year-old Joshlin Smith, Daniels-Smith’s granddaughter.
Joshlin was reported missing in February 2024 from her Saldanha Bay home, triggering a nationwide search that has yet to locate the child. The court ruled that Kelly Smith sold her own daughter to a human trafficking network for money. She was convicted alongside her boyfriend and an alleged trafficking broker earlier this month.
“I begged her to tell the truth about Joshlin. I begged her as a mother. I still do,” Daniels-Smith told the court, her voice breaking with emotion. “Kelly refuses to take responsibility and acts like the victim. She has destroyed this family and taken away a child who brought us so much joy.”
Prosecutors described Kelly’s actions as “deliberately cruel,” accusing her of putting greed above her daughter’s life. They also alleged she has withheld key details that could help find Joshlin, prolonging the family’s agony.
Magistrate Wilma van Dyk postponed sentencing to next week to review pre-sentencing reports and victim impact statements, including Daniels-Smith’s testimony.
Outside the courthouse, Saldanha Bay residents held signs demanding “Justice for Joshlin” and asking, “Where is Joshlin?”—a haunting question that remains unanswered.
Authorities say the search for Joshlin is ongoing, with local and international law enforcement agencies still working on the case.
The tragedy has sparked renewed discussions about South Africa’s human trafficking crisis and the need for better awareness to prevent such crimes.