Joslin Smith: One year later

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It’s been a year since the disappearance of Joslin Smith, and authorities are no closer to finding the now 7-year-old girl.

While a few have presumed that she has passed, her mother, Kelly Smith, believes she is still well and alive.

According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Kelly, her partner Jacquin “Boeta” Apollis, and a male friend, Steveno van Rhyn, are believed to have sold the child to fuel their drug habit.

The trio are currently being charged with kidnapping and child trafficking.�

JOSLIN SMITH: WHERE IS SHE?

On 19 February 2024, Joslin Smith was reported missing from her home in an informal settlement of Middelpos in Diazville, Saldanha Bay.

Joslin was one of three children who stayed with her mother, Kelly Smith, and her partner in their shack. Kelly claims the little girl disappeared during the day while in the care of her boyfriend. However, she filed a missing persons report later in the evening after searching for her following her return from work.

joslin smith, kelly smith — Joslin Smith’s mother Kelly Smith is accused of selling her child.
Images via screenshot: SABC News

A large-scale private search ensued, funded by Patriotic Alliance (PA) leader Gayton McKenzie, who is now the Minister of Sport, Art and Culture. Authorities, including the South African Navy, Saldanha Bay firefighters, SAPS K9 Unit, and the City of Cape Town, launched a collective effort to find the green-eyed girl. Interpol also launched an investigation and search.

In an appearance at the Western Cape High Court last month, Kelly told reporters that she believes Joslin is alive and well.

Her sentiment has been echoed by Gayton and other members of the PA.

WHAT IS THE LATEST IN THE TRIAL?

Last month, Kelly Smith – who is being held in custody at Pollsmoor prison – made a lone appearance for a pretrial hearing in court.Her co-accused – who are at the Malmesbury Correctional Centre – did not appear following a “clerical error.”

The trio will make their next appearance on 28 February.

Here is what we know about the Joslin Smith case….

The NPA believes that Kelly Smith and her co-accused planned to sell Joslin to fuel their drug addiction.
Five people were initially arrested. However, charges against two women – Lourentia Lombard and Phumza Sigaqa – have been dropped. Lourentia is believed to have turned state witness.
In an indictment, it is alleged that Kelly and Joslin were seen getting into a white vehicle on the eve of the latter’s appearance. The mother is accused of accepting something from the driver of the car.
Kelly allegedly told Joslin that she would not be going to school on the day she disappeared. She allegedly packed a suitcase with her clothing and later retrieved her daughter. They were seen getting back into the white vehicle.
Kelly admits to filing a missing person’s report in the evening.
Kelly, Boeta, and Steveno are being charged with kidnapping and child trafficking. Their pretrial is being heard in the Western Cape High Court.
According to Judge Gayaat Da Silva Salie, a missing persons case is still registered for Joslin; hence, the court must assume that she is still alive.