Saldanha: On March 3, 2025, the trial concerning the disappearance of six-year-old Joshlin Smith commenced at the White City Multipurpose Centre in Saldanha Bay.
The court was transformed to accommodate the local community, reflecting the profound impact of the case on residents.
The accused—Joshlin’s mother, Kelly Smith; her boyfriend, Jacquin “Boeta” Appollis; and friend, Steveno van Rhyn—each pleaded not guilty to charges of kidnapping and human trafficking. The indictment alleges that Kelly Smith had been planning to sell her children since August 2023, with the purported transaction involving Joshlin occurring in February 2024.
The State’s first witness, Constable Yanga Gongotha, testified about his interactions with Kelly Smith on the evening of Joshlin’s disappearance. He recounted that Smith appeared more concerned about locating her boyfriend, Appollis, than her missing daughter. Gongotha stated, “She did not appear to look worried about her missing child. The most important thing for her was the boyfriend, not the child.”
The trial is set to continue, with the community closely monitoring proceedings in hopes of uncovering the truth behind Joshlin’s disappearance.
