The trial of Joshlin Smith: A nation awaits answers
The trial of Joshlin Smith: A nation awaits answers! The highly anticipated trial of the year is set to begin on Monday as the nation anxiously awaits answers to the disappearance of 6-year-old Joshlin Smith. Joshlin, who was a Grade 1 student at the time, vanished on February 19, 2024, and has not been seen since. Her sudden and mysterious disappearance has left a community, and indeed a country, in shock, with many questions still unanswered about what happened to the young girl.
The Accused: Kelly Smith, Jacquen Appollis, and Steveno van Rhyn
Joshlin’s mother, Kelly Smith, her boyfriend, Jacquen Appollis, and Steveno van Rhyn will appear before the Western Cape High Court for their trial. The trio faces serious charges, including kidnapping and trafficking in persons for exploitation, relating to the disappearance of Joshlin. The case has captured widespread attention, and the courtroom is expected to be packed with spectators eager to hear the details.
The trial will take place at the Multipurpose Centre in Saldanha Bay, a location that holds special significance to the case. During pre-trial proceedings, Judge Gayaat Da Silva Salie explained that moving the trial to the community where Joshlin was last seen, and where many local residents tirelessly searched for the missing girl, would be in the interest of justice.
Pre-trial Developments and Key Witness Testimony
The case took a crucial turn when Laurentia Lombaard, initially an accused, turned state witness. Lombaard revealed that in August 2023, Kelly Smith had communicated plans to have her children taken away or sold. According to Lombaard’s testimony, the plan was for this to occur in January or February of 2024, just before Joshlin’s disappearance.
In the indictment presented before the court, it is detailed that the day before Joshlin went missing, on Sunday, February 18, Kelly and Joshlin were seen walking to a white vehicle parked near their home. An unidentified woman is said to have gotten out of the vehicle, spoken briefly to Kelly, handed her something, and then the two returned home. It is alleged that later that same day, Kelly, Appollis, van Rhyn, and Lombaard discussed the plan for Joshlin, including how the money from her sale would be divided.
The next day, February 19, Joshlin disappeared. According to the indictment, she was handed over to a woman driving an unidentified white vehicle. No further details have been released about the identity of the woman or where Joshlin may have been taken, but this remains a central focus of the investigation.
Search Efforts and Ongoing Investigation
In the days following Joshlin’s disappearance, countless searches were conducted in and around Saldanha Bay, as the local community and authorities combed through various areas looking for any sign of the missing girl. Despite these efforts, there have been no leads on her whereabouts. The case has raised numerous concerns about child trafficking and exploitation, with many fearing that Joshlin may have fallen victim to a much larger criminal network.
The State has indicated that it will present a range of evidence and documents during the trial to support its case. There is also the possibility that more arrests could be made as the investigation continues. The prosecution has not ruled out the addition of more charges to the indictment, as more details come to light throughout the proceedings.
A Heavy Police Presence and Public Interest
A large turnout of spectators is expected at the trial, with the community and the public eagerly awaiting updates on the case. Due to the nature of the charges and the level of public interest, a heavy police presence will be visible throughout the duration of the trial. The accused have been moved to Malmesbury Prison to be closer to the trial venue, ensuring their transport and security are properly managed.
While the trial progresses, the emotional toll on Joshlin’s family and the community is undeniable. Kelly Smith, who reported her daughter missing after returning home from being out for the day, has faced mounting scrutiny. She initially told police that she could not find Joshlin after coming home. She also claimed to have contacted Appollis, who was meant to be looking after Joshlin, but he too was unable to account for the child’s whereabouts.
Joshlin was last seen wearing a light blue T-shirt and denim shorts, and she also has a birthmark on her left arm, a detail that may prove helpful if new information surfaces during the trial.
Looking Ahead: What’s at Stake?
The trial is set to shine a light on the dark world of child trafficking and exploitation. As the accused face serious charges, the outcome of the trial could have far-reaching implications not only for the individuals involved but also for the broader issue of child safety in South Africa.
As the trial gets underway, the public will be hoping for justice and, most importantly, answers to the one question that still looms large: What happened to Joshlin Smith?
