In a gripping case that has drawn nationwide attention, Kelly Smith has been brought to trial for allegedly orchestrating the abduction of her six-year-old daughter, Joshlin, who vanished from their home in Saldanha Bay, South Africa, over a year ago.
Mother Takes Stand in South African Trial for Daughter's Disappearance
Mother Takes Stand in South African Trial for Daughter's Disappearance
Trial unfolds over alleged kidnapping of six-year-old Joshlin by her mother and accomplices.
The young girl’s disappearance sent shockwaves through the community, prompting a massive search effort that unfortunately yielded no results. Arrested alongside Smith were her boyfriend, Jacquen Appollis, and friend, Steveno van Rhyn, all of whom have pleaded not guilty to charges of human trafficking and kidnapping.
Initially, Smith claimed Joshlin went missing while in Appollis's care, but prosecutors later alleged that Smith had actively sold, delivered, or exchanged her daughter and had lied about the circumstances surrounding her disappearance.
As the investigation unfolded, attention shifted towards Smith after a key witness, Lorentia Lombaard, turned against her co-accused and provided damning evidence. The case quickly escalated in public interest, even drawing the involvement of Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie, who offered a substantial reward for information leading to Joshlin's safe return.
The trial, designed to accommodate community access, is being held at the Saldanha multi-purpose centre, repurposed into a courtroom for this significant case, running from March 3-28. The community watches closely as the case unfolds, hoping for answers in the heartbreaking disappearance of the young girl.
Initially, Smith claimed Joshlin went missing while in Appollis's care, but prosecutors later alleged that Smith had actively sold, delivered, or exchanged her daughter and had lied about the circumstances surrounding her disappearance.
As the investigation unfolded, attention shifted towards Smith after a key witness, Lorentia Lombaard, turned against her co-accused and provided damning evidence. The case quickly escalated in public interest, even drawing the involvement of Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie, who offered a substantial reward for information leading to Joshlin's safe return.
The trial, designed to accommodate community access, is being held at the Saldanha multi-purpose centre, repurposed into a courtroom for this significant case, running from March 3-28. The community watches closely as the case unfolds, hoping for answers in the heartbreaking disappearance of the young girl.
