Cape Town, South Africa — In a groundbreaking decision that has had a significant impact nationwide, the Western Cape High Court has declared Kelly Smith and accomplices guilty of kidnapping and child trafficking, a growing serious crime that involves the use of children for the purpose of exploitation.
Kelly, the mother of six-year-old Joshlin Smith who went missing, was convicted along with her two associates, Jacquin “Boeta” Appollis and Steveno van Rhyn.
Judge Nathan Erasmus delivered the verdict this morning (Friday, May 2 — 2025) at the Saldanha Bay Multi-purpose Centre, where the trial had been ongoing since March. The courtroom atmosphere was charged with emotion as the judge outlined the carefully planned and deeply troubling scheme that led to the child’s disappearance.
“This court has determined that the defendants collaborated with a clear intention to traffic the child, Joshlin Smith, for personal financial gain,” Judge Erasmus stated in his decision. “Their actions not only breached the trust of an innocent child but also eroded the foundation of community security.”
Revealing a disturbing scheme
During the trial, it emerged that Kelly devised a scheme to have her daughter abducted and sold to a traditional healer for R20,000. Testimony from a state witness, who was initially a co-defendant, exposed that Smith had discussed disposing of her children months before Joshlin vanished on February 19, 2024.
Witnesses also recounted how Appollis and Van Rhyn aided in carrying out the plan, which included facilitating the transfer of the child to unidentified individuals in a white vehicle. Regrettably, the child was never sighted again, and her remains have not been located.
Community in grief
The verdict of guilt has triggered a wave of public outcry and grief in the close-knit community of Saldanha Bay on the West Coast, where Joshlin’s disappearance initially captured the nation’s attention. Outside the court, numerous community members gathered holding signs demanding life imprisonment.
“While we find solace in the verdict, true justice will only prevail when Joshlin is brought back home,” expressed community advocate Marlene Fourie. “Her voice was silenced. Today, we advocated on her behalf.”
Awaiting sentencing
The three individuals now await sentencing, with prosecutors indicating their intention to pursue life imprisonment for all three offenders.
The court has adjourned for sentencing deliberations, scheduled to commence next week. Concurrently, authorities have assured that efforts to locate Joshlin’s remains will persist.
For more on how South Africa’s justice system is responding to crimes that shake our communities, visit NOWinSA. Stories Shaping South Africa Today.
