Kelly Smith, on trial for kidnapping and human trafficking related to her daughter Joshlin Smith’s disappearance, broke down in court as two witnesses testified she was a good mother on Monday.
Kelly and her co-accused, Jacquen Appollis and Stevano van Rhyn, face charges of kidnapping and human trafficking related to the child’s disappearance. They allegedly sold Joshlin to an unknown woman in February 2024 in Saldanha Bay.
The trial was briefly adjourned after emotional testimonies from Natasha Andrews and Carlien Zeegers, who spoke of their close ties to Kelly and her children, EWN reported.
The two women from the Middelpos area said Kelly had a deep affection for her three children.
“Every day they came to my place and I would give them something to eat. I would ask her to help me out sometimes,” The Citizen quoted Carlien as saying.
Meanwhile, according to the report, Constable Refilwe Sekhobe testified that Stevano van Rhyn had initially claimed Joshlin was sold to a sangoma for muti. He alleged that on the day Joshlin disappeared, Lourentia Lombaard left with the child and returned alone. Stevano, emotionally unstable and suspected of drug use, did not provide the name of a specific sangoma, and police found no evidence of Joshlin at local traditional healers.
Additionally, Natasha testified that she had cared for Joshlin since infancy and attempted to adopt her. However, Kelly and the child’s father, José Emke, rejected the adoption at the social workers’ office.
The case continues on Tuesday in the Western Cape High Court.
First published by African Insider
Compiled by Betha Madhomu
Also see: Joshlin Smith case continues to raise concerns
