Joshlin Smith verdict revealed as the judge reads out what he has found.
In a dramatic conclusion to one of South Africa’s most disturbing child trafficking cases. The Western Cape High Court found Racquel ‘Kelly’ Smith, her boyfriend Jacquen ‘Boeta’ Appollis, and their friend Steveno ‘Steffie’ van Rhyn guilty of kidnapping and trafficking six-year-old Joshlin Smith.
Judge Nathan Erasmus announced the verdict on Friday at the White City Multipurpose Centre in Diazville. Delivering long-awaited justice in a case that has devastated the West Coast community and shocked the nation.
Shocking betrayal: Joshlin’s own mother traded her child
The court determined that the accused willfully exchanged Joshlin Smith and deprived her of her freedom. Judge Erasmus emphasized that the evidence proved the trio’s deliberate actions beyond a reasonable doubt.
“Joshlin Smith was exchanged and she was deprived of her liberty,” the court concluded, confirming fears that the young girl had fallen victim to a cruel betrayal by those closest to her.
Star witness breaks the case open
Key testimony from State witness Lourentia ‘Renz’ Lombaard proved critical in sealing the fate of the accused. Her insider account provided damning details that exposed the trio’s involvement in the abduction and trafficking of the child.
Lombaard’s cooperation and credibility gave prosecutors the decisive edge in a case that relied heavily on first hand witness testimony.
Crowds gathered outside the court erupted in a mix of relief and sorrow. Family supporters cried openly, and others clapped in approval when the court delivered the judgment.
The trio now faces sentencing proceedings and will remain in custody until further notice.
Joshlin’s disappearance sparked a national search
Joshlin Smith vanished from her Middelpos home on February 19, 2024. Her disappearance triggered a massive manhunt. And months-long investigation, ultimately leading to the arrests and now convictions of the three accused.
What began as a desperate search for a missing child has now ended in a high-profile conviction. That will likely serve as a grim warning in future trafficking cases.
Stay tuned with The South African as Joshlin Smith case verdict is revealed with the accused found guilty of kidnapping and trafficking.
Will the police find Joshlin after this verdict?
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