The mother, Kelly Smith, her boyfriend, and a friend are accused of orchestrating the abduction of six-year-old Joshlin, who vanished over a year ago.
Mother Stands Trial for Alleged Kidnapping of Daughter in South Africa
Mother Stands Trial for Alleged Kidnapping of Daughter in South Africa
In South Africa, a mother faces serious charges as the case of her missing daughter remains unresolved.
Kelly Smith is currently on trial for the alleged kidnapping of her daughter Joshlin, who disappeared from her home in Saldanha Bay near Cape Town in February last year. The case attracted widespread attention, sparking a significant public outcry and an extensive search for the young girl. Despite the efforts, Joshlin has not yet been located.
Smith, along with her boyfriend Jacquen Appollis and friend Steveno van Rhyn, has pleaded not guilty to multiple charges, including human trafficking and kidnapping. Initially, Smith claimed her daughter had gone missing while under the care of Appollis. However, prosecutors later suggested that she may have conspired to sell or exchange the child, leading to her arrest.
As the investigation unfolded, the focus shifted to Smith after her former friend, Lorentia Lombaard, agreed to testify against her as a state witness. The case garnered notable attention, including a reward offered by Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie for the safe return of Joshlin.
The trial is set to proceed from March 3 to March 28 at a designated high court in Saldanha, which has been modified to ensure community access to the proceedings.
