Smith was “manipulative,” the pre-sentencing report’s social worker said, “the mastermind behind the trafficking of her own daughter.”
Near her house, police, firefighters, and dog teams searched sand dunes and coastline area. Members of the community banded together in sympathy with the family they thought to be victims of a heinous crime.
Joshlin’s mother first came across as a publically sympathetic person. Locals offered to assist her and officials went through every conceivable lead. But what surfaced in the weeks and months after her detention totally destroyed that image.
Charges of Dark intentions and Chilling Testimony
One witness during the criminal trial said Smith sold Joshlin to a traditional healer, or “sangoma,” for her “eyes and skin.”
A local clergyman testified he heard Smith propose selling her children for 20,000 rand apiece but would settle for just $275.
The prosecution’s case revolved mostly on the testimony of Joshlin’s schoolteacher and two of Smith’s neighbors, Lourentia Lombaard and Paulina Tshosa.
