Kelly Smith's mother speaks after Joslin verdict

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Kelly Smith’s mother – the maternal grandmother of Joslin Smith – has expressed her anger and frustration at not knowing where the missing child is. This comes after the Saldanha Bay woman and her two accused were convicted of child trafficking and kidnapping.

The then-six-year-old girl went missing outside her Middelpos tin shack in Diazville more than a year ago. She has yet to be found.

KELLY SMITH, CO-ACCUSED CONVICTED OF KIDNAPPING, TRAFFICKING

On Friday, 2 May, Western High Court judge Nathan Erasmus found that the state had proven beyond a reasonable doubt that Kelly Smith – the mother of Joslin Smith – was the “mastermind” of her daughter’s disappearance on 19 February 2024.

The mother of three and her co-accused, boyfriend Jacquin Appollis and pal Steveno van Rhyn, were found guilty of kidnapping and child trafficking.

Kelly was accused of conspiring to sell Joslin for R20 000 to allegedly fuel a drug habit. She reportedly promised a portion to Appollis, van Rhyn, and a fourth accused, Lourentia Lombaard, who turned state witness late last year.

Days after her disappearance, Kelly Smith allegedly bragged that Joslin would “make her famous”. Months before, she claimed that the community of Diazville would be “turned into a movie scene”.

‘WHY DIDN’T YOU TESTIFY?’

Delivering his verdict, Judge Nathan Erasmus admonished Kelly Smith for being nonchalant following the disappearance of Joslin Smith.

“This lack of emotion was indisputable. Her behaviour, along with Appollis’, was far from what we expected from a concerned parent. It indicates that they were aware of what happened to Joslin”.

Judge Erasmus also admonished Kelly Smith for not testifying during the trial.

“You had a right to silence, but there comes a time when the evidence is such a nature that there is a need for answers. Why didnt you come tell the court? Common sense prevails”, he added.

JOSLIN’S GRANDMOTHER SPEAKS

Meanwhile, Kelly Smith’s mother, Amanda Daniel-Smith, lashed out at her daughter for not disclosing where Joslin was.

She told reporters after the verdict was delivered: “I don’t know where my grandchild is, I just want her back. There’s nothing else. It doesn’t matter how long they are going to sit in jail, but my grandchild is still gone.

“She must tell me where my grandchild is. I am angry. Nobody knows if Joslin is still, and I don’t want to see her if she knows where the child is”.