By Mark Ogagan
The Joshlin Smith trial came to an end on Friday, with presiding Judge Nathan Erasmus finding the missing girl’s mother, Kelly Smith and her two co-accused, Jacquen Appollis and Steveno van Rhyn, guilty of kidnapping and human trafficking.
After nearly three months of court proceedings, Erasmus handed down his judgment in the Western Cape High Court, sitting at the White City Multi-purpose Centre in Saldanha.
Six-year-old Joshlin (Pictured), went missing from her home in Saldanha Bay on 19 February, 2024, sparking a widespread search and major investigation.
Her mother, Racquel ‘Kelly’ Smith, her boyfriend Jacquen ‘Boeta’ Appollis, and their friend Steveno ‘Steffie’ van Rhyn were charged with kidnapping and human trafficking, but all pleaded not guilty.
The trial began on 3 March, 2025 with closing arguments concluded on Wednesday, 30 April, 2025.
The case drew significant public attention, with many planning to attend the judgment, including those who participated in early search efforts.
Charges against a fifth accused were dropped, while another suspect turned State witness.
Saldanha Bay residents, who filled the hall to hear Erasmus’ judgment, could be heard clapping and cheering when the ruling was made.
Despite the ruling though, authorities are still clueless as to the whereabouts of Joshlin, who disappeared from her Middelpos home in Saldanha in February last year.
The little girl was six years old at the time.
Discussion about this post