Mum sentenced to life for selling six-year-old daughter 'for eyes and skin'

In a harrowing revelation, a South African woman has received a life sentence for the abduction and human trafficking of her own six year old daughter "for her eyes and skin."

Racquel 'Kelly' Smith, alongside co-accused Jacquen Appollis, was condemned to life behind bars after an intense six-week trial at a community hall in Saldanha, where staggering evidence detailed that young Joshlin Smith was traded to a traditional healer for body parts.

Statements in court included one individual alleging Smith had contemplated selling her offspring for 20,000 rand (£850) apiece, while another disclosed intentions to hand over her girl to a "sangoma" (traditional healer) lusting after the child's "eyes and skin."

The trial of Smith and collaborators captured the nation's attention, culminating with spontaneous applause within the courtroom as the life sentences were administered this week, reports the Express US.

Judge Nathan Erasmus, overseeing the proceedings, made no concessions for Smith, her companion, or their accomplice Steveno van Rhyn as he handed down the verdicts. His proclamation echoed through the court:

"On the human trafficking charge, you are sentenced to life imprisonment. On the kidnapping charge, you are sentenced to 10 years imprisonment."

As the judgement was affirmed, cheers rippled through the courthouse, signifying a collective release of emotion as the high-profile case reached its conclusion.

Outraged family and community members vehemently condemned the mother and her co-defendants, with residents adamant that the trio should face a "harsh sentence because they deserve it."

Amanda Smith-Daniels, Joshlin's grandmother, issued an anguished appeal to her daughter to "bring my [grand]child back or tell me where she is."

The distraught grandmother told Newzroom Afrika that "any sentence they get will bring my grandchild back" would not suffice for justice in her eyes, prompting visible sorrow among spectators as a video of the young girl played before the sentencing.