Grandmother’s heartbreaking plea to mom who ‘sold six-year-old daughter for $1,100 for her eyes and skin’
ArchiveFirst published May 30, 2025. It may not reflect later developments.
The grandmother of missing six-year-old Joshlin Smith has made a heartbreaking plea to her daughter, Kelly Smith, who was sentenced to life in prison for trafficking her child. “Bring my grandchild back or tell me where she is,” Amanda Smith-Daniels said from the courtroom.
Joshlin vanished in February 2024 near her home in Saldanha Bay, South Africa. Despite a nationwide search, the young girl remains missing over a year later. Shocking testimonies revealed her mother attempted to sell all three of her children for just $1,100, and reportedly accepted as little as $275 for one child.
A neighbor claimed Joshlin was sold to a traditional healer who wanted her “for her eyes and skin.” Another witness said Kelly told people Joshlin was hidden in a container ship headed to West Africa.
Judge Nathan Erasmus sentenced Kelly Smith and her two accomplices to life for human trafficking. Authorities vow the search isn’t over. “We will not rest until we find what happened to Joshlin,” said police commissioner Thembisile Patekile.
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