Mother of missing Joshlin Smith appears alone in court as trial nears

Mother of missing Joshlin Smith appears alone in court as trial nears! The mother of missing six-year-old Joshlin Smith, Kelly Smith, appeared in the Western Cape High Court on Friday, cutting a lonely figure in the dock during a pre-trial hearing.

Joshlin has been missing for 11 months, and her disappearance has shocked the community of Middelpos, Saldanha Bay. Her mother is accused of selling her to an unknown woman near their home, sparking a high-profile investigation.

Co-Accused Fail to Appear in Court

While Kelly Smith attended the pre-trial hearing, her two co-accused, Jacquen Appolis and Stevano van Rhyn, were notably absent.

National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson, Eric Ntabazalila, explained that their failure to appear was due to a clerical issue.

Ntabazalila confirmed that both Appolis and Van Rhyn remain in custody at Malmesbury Prison, despite a formal request for their transfer to Cape Town.

“We will ensure when we come back on the 28th of February that all three accused are present in court so that we can start with the pre-trial with all of them being present,” Ntabazalila stated.

He added that the delay also allows recently appointed lawyers more time to consult with their clients before proceedings begin.

A Case That Shook Saldanha Bay

Joshlin Smith’s disappearance has left residents of Saldanha Bay devastated. The six-year-old girl vanished nearly a year ago, and the accusations against her mother have only deepened the public’s outrage.

According to the investigation, Joshlin was allegedly sold to an unknown woman, raising serious concerns about human trafficking. The authorities have not yet located the missing child, leaving many in the community desperate for answers.

Trial to be Moved Closer to the Community

The State has confirmed that the case will be relocated to Saldanha Bay, a move intended to provide the local community with better access to the trial.

This decision comes after growing calls from residents and activists, who have been closely following the case and want to see justice served.

By moving the trial closer to where Joshlin lived and disappeared, it allows concerned citizens to stay informed and actively engaged in the proceedings.

Public Outcry and Demands for Justice

Joshlin’s disappearance has sparked national outrage, with many South Africans demanding stricter laws against child trafficking and harsher sentences for those involved.

Community members in Saldanha Bay have held vigils and marches, calling for swift justice and urging authorities to find Joshlin.

Several missing person organizations have also joined the search efforts, highlighting the rising cases of child abductions across the country.

What Happens Next?

With the next court date set for February 28, the legal process is expected to gain momentum.

Authorities are working to:

• Ensure all accused are present in court
• Allow defense lawyers time to consult with their clients
• Relocate the trial to Saldanha Bay for better public access

Despite these developments, Joshlin remains missing, and the search continues.

As the trial unfolds, South Africans will be watching closely, hoping for justice and the safe return of Joshlin Smith.

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This ruling follows a string of damaging allegations and online attacks that Morolong directed at Thobejane over the past few years. Following her conviction, the court imposed several restrictions on Inno Morolong’s movements and activities. Read More