Kelly Smith's brother speaks out

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Zhandrew Daniels, the younger brother of Kelly Smith – the mother of missing Joslin Smith – has appealed to the public not to condemn his family based on his sister’s actions. This comes days after Kelly’s sister, Mickeyla Daniels, testified against her sibling, who is accused of trafficking her child for the purpose of exploitation.

The trial is taking place in the High Court, sitting at the Saldanha Bay Multipurpose Centre.

Little Joslin went missing from her Middelpos shack in Diazville. Kelly and her boyfriend Jacquin “Boeta” Appollis, as well as pal Steveno van Rhyn, are accused of selling the child to fuel their drug habit.

KELLY SMITH’S BROTHER: ‘DON’T JUDGE US’

In a social media post, Zhandrew Daniels, Kelly Smith’s younger brother, defended his sister Mickeyla against public criticism.

Mickeyla – a police constable – has been accused of not helping her sister, whose drug addiction and dire poverty affected her three children.

In a since-deleted Facebook post, Zhandrew explained Kelly had a different father and grew up with their grandmother in Saldanha Bay.

He shared of his sister: “She had the potential to pursue higher education or secure a good job. But she chose a path involving drugs, which ultimately led her to her current state. A decision she made on her own”.

Kelly Smith’s family reportedly tried to help her “get her life back on track,” but she refused. The family had also appealed to Kelly to let them raise her children, which she also refused.

Joslin Smith’s aunt Mickeyla Daniels testified in court about her sister, Kelly Smith. Their younger brother Zhandrew Daniels has since spoken out on social media.
Images via screenshot: SABC News

He continued, “Don’t say we didn’t try or that we don’t care. My family and I grew up under my parents’ care. We were taught discipline, good manners, kindness, and respect for others. We would never engage in such horrible actions.

“Please don’t judge us without knowing the full story.”

Zhandrew added that the family currently had custody of Kelly’s eldest child, a son. However, they were “deeply hurt” by Joslin’s disappearance.

He added: “It still hurts me to this day. What Kelly did to her [Joslin] is horrific. She does not deserve to be called a mother. However, I ask that you not judge me or my family for Kelly’s actions”.

@kallit.trendz Mnr Daniels shared a few insights …#southafrica #missing #fyp #latest #Court #kallittrendz #joshlinsmith #trendin #kellysmith ♬ take a moment to breathe. – normal the kid

WHAT HAPPENED TO JOSLIN?

Now in its third week, close to 20 witnesses have testified on behalf of the state against the three accused: Kelly Smith, Boeta Appollis and Steveno van Rhyn.

The High Court has heard several bombshell allegations about missing Joslin Smith. This includes:

Joslin was allegedly taken by a Nigerian man and allegedly trafficked to West Africa.
Joslin was allegedly sold to a sangoma for R20 000.
Kelly’s claims to her sister that Joslin was in the “squatter camp” and that “someone wanted to buy her.”
Kelly’s reported plans to split the money between her co-accused.
Comments from Kelly that Joslin had “made her famous” and calls to search parties to “stop looking” for her missing child.