💔 “Voices for Joshlin”

 Public Outcry Grows as Trial Unfolds –  A Nation Speaks:

Reporter – George April 

SALDANHA BAY:- As the trial surrounding the heartbreaking disappearance of six-year-old Joshlin Smith continues, courtroom updates are stirring deep emotions online.

A recent Facebook post by Rix Ashley offering a morning update, ignited a wave of powerful public commentary,  voices crying out not only for justice, but for truth.

🔍 Courtroom Drama & Legal Gaps

Advocate Nobahle Mkabayi, currently defending accused Steveno van Rhyn, has been steadily presenting her case. While not widely embraced by public opinion, even critics are acknowledging her legal points. Ashley noted in his update:

“While I’m not her biggest supporter, I must admit she’s making a few valid points.  It’s becoming clear that the State may not have fully secured the burden of proof beyond reasonable doubt.”

This observation sent shockwaves across a community already exhausted by unanswered questions.

🔥 Comments Reflect Public Frustration

One comment that stood out came from Gina Swart:

“Mr van Rhyn implicated himself when he said he went to ask when he was getting his cut of the money.”

Others raised red flags about individuals whose names have surfaced multiple times in testimony, but who are not being formally investigated.
Veronica De Villiers expressed what many are feeling;

“I think Makalima and Ayanda should have been brought before court. I think they are the key to the mystery around Joshlin’s disappearance.”

This sentiment quickly gathered support – Marilyn Lameyer added;

“Their lawyers should have called Makalima and/or Ayanda to either collaborate or reject the allegations. Failing to do so creates the perception that the version offered by the accused is untrue and agreed upon to ‘cover’ the real story.”

Maurae Andrews responded pointedly;

“Not one of the accused mentioned Ayanda… Maybe if they did, he would have been brought in.  They are taking this whole thing upon themselves,  may they be punished to the full extent of the law.”

💬 Hope, Anger, and Faith

Across the thread, commenters toggled between disbelief, religious hope, and a deep need for accountability. Louise Minnie wrote:

“I believe there will be guilty verdicts for all three. Kelly will get the highest sentence.”

Meanwhile, Arina Hattingh Jooste reminded others that earthly justice is not the final word;

“Even if the justice system fails little Joshlin, Jesus Christ never will. God never sleeps and the truth will come out.”

❓ Where Is Joshlin?

As the trial proceeds, one painful question lingers – Where is Joshlin?

It’s a question, no argument in court has yet answered, and which haunts every parent, every neighbor, and every concerned citizen following the case.

One comment summed it up best:

“There are so many stories, we don’t know what’s the truth or lies.” – Veronica De Villiers

Until the day clarity comes, the voices of this community,  broken-hearted, but determined –  will continue to demand truth and justice.

  Public Voices Echo in the Joshlin Smith Trial

Annette Struwig, one of many outraged followers of the case, wrote,
“She did not want to accept Joshlin because she would rather keep hockey hockey and neglected until she wanted to trade with her. Maybe people should have offered her money to adopt Joshlin?”

Her comment sharply critiques the priorities of those involved in Joshlin’s life, exposing a haunting question – Was this little girl ever truly wanted?  Such raw reactions are fuelling public calls for accountability, not only in court, but in the community that allowed it to get this far.

CCN News will continue monitoring and reporting on the Joshlin Smith trial. If you have new information or wish to speak anonymously, contact us at https://ccnews.co.za/contact-us/

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