The Western Cape High Court has found Kelly Smith, the mother of missing six-year-old Joshlin Smith, and her two co-accused guilty of kidnapping and human trafficking. The verdict, delivered on Friday at the Saldanha Bay Multi-purpose Centre, sparked emotional scenes as community members called for justice.
Despite the ruling, Joshlin’s location remains unknown more than a year after she vanished from her Middelpos home in Saldanha on 19 February 2024. Her disappearance has gripped the nation, with many hoping the trial would bring closure.
Court finds evidence against accused compelling
Judge Nathan Erasmus found Kelly Smith, Jacquen Appollis, and Stevano van Rhyn guilty based on a combination of confession statements and corroborating testimony. Key evidence came from preacher Steven Coetzee and former accused-turned-state-witness Lourencia Lombaard.
Erasmus said the testimonies aligned with the confessions and supported the State’s case beyond reasonable doubt.
The three will remain in custody until their sentencing begins in the Western Cape High Court in Cape Town next Friday.
Shack linked to accused destroyed in fire
Hours after the guilty verdict, the shack where Kelly Smith lived with her three children and Appollis was set on fire. The structure, located in the Middelpos informal settlement, was reportedly built by Appollis.
Saldanha Bay mayor Andre Truter confirmed that fire services extinguished the blaze and no injuries were reported. Police have opened an arson case and taken an adult woman in for questioning.
Lt-Col Malcolm Pojie of the Saldanha police confirmed the investigation is ongoing.
Convictions Bring No Closure: Family Still Searching for Missing 6-Year-Old Joshlin Smith
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Sourced: EWN