Two years after the case that ignited a firestorm across South Africa, an IOL team comprising Robin-Lee Francke and Ayanda Ndamane, travelled to Saldanha once again, to visit the town that awoke the nations cries for child safety.
Joshlin Smith was last seen around 5pm, wearing a light blue T-shirt and denim shorts.
Her mother, Kelly Smith, reported her missing, stating she had left Joshlin in the care of her boyfriend, Jacquin.
A desperate search followed, with volunteers searching on the beach and in small farms above the new housing on a steep hill. Politician Gayton McKenzie offered a R1 million reward.
On March 7th, four suspects were arrested: Kelly Smith, her boyfriend Jacquin, Stevino Fandera, and Lourentia Lombard. They were charged with kidnapping and human trafficking.
Allegations surfaced that Joshlin had been sold for R20,000. The video discusses the possibility of human trafficking and how children are traded.
The case ignited a firestorm across South Africa. Protests erupted, and the community demanded justice, becoming extremely angry during court appearances.
The trial moved to the Western Cape High Court. Charges against Lombard were dropped when she turned state witness.
One of the accused was sentenced to life imprisonment for the human trafficking charge and 10 years for the kidnapping charge, to be served concurrently. Two years later, a dark cloud still hangs over the community, as Joshlin Smith remains missing, and the search continues.
Click here to read the latest stories in the Joshlin Smith missing child saga.
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