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Kelly Smith and two other accused in the Joshlin Smith disappearance case
The Director of Public Prosecutions in the Western Cape, Advocate Nicolette Bell, has attributed the successful conviction of Kelly Smith and her co-accused to the hard work of the prosecution team.
Smith, Jacquen Appollis and Steveno Van Rhyn were convicted in connection with the disappearance of Joshlin Smith who went missing from her home in Saldanha Bay in February last year.
They are expected to appear in court again next Friday for pre-sentencing procedures.
Judge Nathan Erasmus found them guilty on charges of kidnapping and human trafficking.
Bell says it’s a landmark verdict.
“Human trafficking is rife and the legislation is new and this is a landmark decision for us. From here on, we can still build. But tragically, the little girl, Joshlin, is still out there. So, the search for her must continue,” says Bell.
Kelly Smith’s mother, Amanda Daniels Smith, says she still wants answers from her regarding the whereabouts of Joshlin Smith.
Smith, Jacquen Appollis and Steveno Van Rhyn were convicted of kidnapping and human trafficking in connection with the disappearance of the little girl at Saldanha Bay in February last year.
Arguments in mitigation and aggravation of sentence are expected to be heard from Friday next week.
Amanda Smith spoke to the media outside court.
“She must tell me where grandchild is, that’s all. I don’t want to talk to anybody anymore. I am angry because nobody knows if she still alive, Joshlin is still alive. I am angry and I don’t want to see her (Kelly),” says Amanda.
Judgment in the Joshlin Smith disappearance trial:
