Abuse, Betrayal, and Trafficking: The Dark Reality Behind Joshlin Smith’s Case

Horrifying new testimony has shed a darker light on what might have happened to six-year-old Joshlin Smith as the sentencing process for three people found guilty of her kidnapping and trafficking continues.

Dr. Marcel van der Watt, a renowned authority on human trafficking, testified before the Western Cape High Court on Tuesday while seated at the Saldanha Bay Multipurpose Center. Van der Watt, who has more than 20 years of experience looking into these crimes, told the court that even though her whereabouts are still unknown, there are strong indications that Joshlin suffered abuse following her trafficking.

Human Trafficking in South Africa: Key Insights from Dr. Marcel van der Watt

Human trafficking in South Africa is far more entrenched and complex than commonly reported. In a groundbreaking 2022 technical report, Dr. Marcel van der Watt, research fellow at the University of the… pic.twitter.com/pprz6Ub6OP

— Hidden Hand Chronicles (@HddnHndChroncls) May 27, 2025

Van der Watt claims that trafficking cases, especially those involving young girls, exhibit “coherent and consistent patterns.” According to his report, which was included in the sentencing proceedings for Kelly Smith, Jacquen Appollis, and Steveno van Rhyn, children who are trafficked for money frequently suffer physical or psychological abuse.

According to Times Live, Van der Watt testified, “It would be dishonest to assume that she was placed in such a situation merely for admiration.” He clarified that certain remarks that make reference to Joshlin’s physical characteristics, like her fair skin and eyes, suggest that she was probably taken advantage of.

The expert also provided concerning data, pointing out that between 2000 and 2020, more than 94,000 South Africans were reported missing. Surprisingly, over 31,000 of them remain unaccounted for.

Van der Watt didn’t mince words when he expressed his belief that Joshlin’s mother, Kelly Smith, probably sold her daughter in what he described as a “premeditated and coordinated” act. He claimed that in addition to being a terrible betrayal, the crime violated the most fundamental duty of care that parents ought to have.

He was quoted by EWN as saying, “The evidence relating to … child abuse paints a grim picture.” “It is highly likely that Joshlin endured severe physical or psychological abuse.”

The weight of the expert testimony has given the case a sobering dimension as the court proceedings proceed, one that affects not only the people found guilty but also the larger problem of child trafficking in South Africa.

Joshlin is still being sought, and the sentencing process is still in progress.

Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter , TikTok and Instagram

For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com

Sourced:African Insider

Picture: X/@clarencesdb