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Kelly Smith and two other accused in the Joshlin Smith disappearance case.
The state in the case of six-year-old Joshlin Smith’s disappearance has called a social worker who sourced victim impact statements from members of the community.
The then-six-year-old went missing from her Middlepos home in February last year.
Deonnett Boltney took statements from community members who were part of the search for Joshlin, the teacher of the grade one learner, Kelly Smith’s mother and Natasha Andrews.
In court, the interpreter read out the reports,”‘Kelly, you have come to make our lives a hell on earth. You came to break us and torn us apart. Do you know what it feels like to lie awake every night, how it feels like. My heart is ripped out of my body because I pray for Joshlin. I pray for her safety. I pray that God will keep her safe where she is. My pillow is riddled with tears over your actions.”‘
The court proceedings in aggravation and mitigation of sentence are currently underway in the Western Cape High Court sitting in Saldanha Bay.
The girl’s mother Kelly Smith and two others have been convicted of child trafficking and kidnapping.
Joshlin Smith’s convicted kidnappers back in court for sentencing:
