Joshlin Smith: South Africa's human trafficking problem
The case of the missing 6-year-old Joshlin Smith exposes human trafficking in South Africa
An episode of the Focus on Africa podcast, hosted by BBC World Service, titled "Joshlin Smith: South Africa's human trafficking problem" was published on May 30, 2025 and runs 31 minutes.
May 30, 2025 ·31m · Focus on Africa
Summary
A South African woman, Racquel "Kelly" Smith, her boyfriend Jacquen Appollis and their friend Steveno van Rhyn have been given life sentences after being convicted of trafficking her missing 6-year-old daughter, Joshlin Smith. The case has captivated and horrified audiences around the world. It has also highlighted the wider issue of human trafficking in South Africa. An anti-trafficking campaigner responds to the rulling and explains the extent of problem in the country. Also, Kenya and Mayotte sign a trade deal to boost economic ties. What will be traded?And a tribute to and an exploration of, Kenya's literary giant Ngugi wa Thiong’o, who has died at the age of 87.Presenter: Richard Kagoe Technical Producer: Jonathan Greer Producers: Nyasha Michelle, Tom Kavanagh and Amie Liebowitz in London. Charles Gitonga in Nairobi Senior Journalist: Karnie Sharp Editors: Alice Muthengi and Andre Lombard
Episode Description
A South African woman, Racquel "Kelly" Smith, her boyfriend Jacquen Appollis and their friend Steveno van Rhyn have been given life sentences after being convicted of trafficking her missing 6-year-old daughter, Joshlin Smith. The case has captivated and horrified audiences around the world. It has also highlighted the wider issue of human trafficking in South Africa. An anti-trafficking campaigner responds to the rulling and explains the extent of problem in the country.
Also, Kenya and Mayotte sign a trade deal to boost economic ties. What will be traded?
And a tribute to and an exploration of, Kenya's literary giant Ngugi wa Thiong’o, who has died at the age of 87.
Presenter: Richard Kagoe Technical Producer: Jonathan Greer Producers: Nyasha Michelle, Tom Kavanagh and Amie Liebowitz in London. Charles Gitonga in Nairobi Senior Journalist: Karnie Sharp Editors: Alice Muthengi and Andre Lombard