Probation Officer Labels Joshlin Smith’s Mother a Manipulative Liar in Sentencing Report
Probation officer Errol Pietersen delivered pre-sentencing reports to the court on Tuesday, 27 May 2025. His assessment, based on interviews and background investigations of the accused, paints a deeply troubling picture of Kelly Smith’s character and motivations.
Pietersen informed the court that he conducted a detailed interview with Smith at Pollsmoor Prison on 21 May 2025. During the session, Smith allegedly told a series of fabricated stories, including claims of childhood sexual abuse and rejection by her parents. According to Pietersen, these assertions were later disproven during his verification process.
“Miss Smith lied about being abused and rejected by her family. Her own mother and aunt contradicted these claims and instead described her as a manipulative individual who often distorts the truth for personal gain,” Pietersen stated in court.
Probation Officer’s Assessment: Kelly Smith as the Mastermind
Pietersen’s evaluation went further, concluding that Kelly Smith likely orchestrated the trafficking of her own daughter. The probation officer emphasized the betrayal involved, stating that Smith not only failed in her role as a mother but exploited her child for personal or financial benefit.
“It is therefore not a stretch to conclude that Kelly Smith is the mastermind behind the trafficking of her own daughter,” said Pietersen. “It is also quite disconcerting that Miss Smith violated her daughter’s trust in her not only as her provider but also as her protector.”
These remarks form part of Pietersen’s official recommendation that the court hand down the maximum sentence to Kelly Smith due to the severity of her actions and the profound psychological damage inflicted on the child and the broader community.
While Smith maintains her version of events, her co-accused have shown little remorse. In a previous social worker report referenced during the trial, Steveno van Rhyn allegedly stated, “I don’t care what happened to Joshlin,” further reinforcing the court’s view of his lack of empathy and disregard for human life.
Meanwhile, Appollis has remained largely silent but was implicated through testimony and corroborating evidence presented during the trial.
Probation Officer Highlights Human Trafficking Trends
During his court appearance, probation officer Pietersen also addressed the growing issue of human trafficking in South Africa, warning that vulnerable children are increasingly being targeted for exploitation. He emphasized the urgent need for systemic reforms to protect minors and ensure that perpetrators are held fully accountable.
His report aligns with expert commentary earlier in the trial, which noted that the justice system is lagging behind the rapid rise in trafficking cases. Child protection advocates have called for more stringent penalties and better resources for investigating such crimes.
The disappearance of Joshlin Smith gripped the nation, sparking widespread outrage and protests demanding justice. Her case has become a rallying point for activists, social workers, and community members who argue that more must be done to prevent similar tragedies.
Pietersen’s detailed and emotionally charged report has added to public sentiment that the court must send a strong message by issuing the harshest penalties possible. His role as probation officer has been central in providing the court with insight into the character and backgrounds of the accused, offering crucial context for sentencing.
The sentencing proceedings for Kelly Smith, Jacquen Appollis, and Steveno van Rhyn are set to conclude later this week. The court is expected to weigh the probation officer’s findings heavily in its final judgment, especially regarding the recommendation for a maximum sentence for Kelly Smith.
As South Africa continues to grapple with the devastating realities of child trafficking, the Joshlin Smith case stands as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of children and the need for accountability at every level.
Source- EWN
