The trial regarding the disappearance of six-year-old Joshlin Smith began on 3 March 2025, at the Saldanha Bay Multi-Purpose Centre, which has been designated as a High Court for this matter.
The accused—Joshlin’s mother, Kelly Smith; her boyfriend, Jacquen Appolis; and their friend, Stevano van Rhyn—face charges of kidnapping and human trafficking related to Joshlin’s disappearance.
Joshlin went missing on 19 February 2024, from her home in the Middelpos informal settlement in Saldanha Bay, while she was under Appolis’s care. Despite extensive searches, she has not been located.
The case has garnered significant public interest, prompting the decision to hold the trial in Saldanha Bay to encourage community participation.
During the trial’s opening session, the accused pleaded not guilty. State prosecutor Zelda Swanepoel introduced the first witness, Constable Yanga Gongotha, who shared his interactions with Kelly Smith on the night Joshlin went missing.
Gongotha recounted how he was approached by Kelly and another woman while responding to a report of a missing child. Kelly stated she discovered Joshlin was missing upon returning home from work.
Gongotha observed that Kelly seemed unusually calm and appeared more focused on Appolis than on her missing child.
Gongotha testified that Kelly took him to their home, which was empty at the time, and they then set out to find Appolis. When they found him, Kelly asked about a gas purchase but did not immediately inquire about Joshlin’s location.
Gongotha questioned Appolis, who confessed to using drugs with friends, including van Rhyn, and stated that he left Joshlin playing outside.
The trial is expected to continue throughout March, concluding on March 28. The court has implemented strict media restrictions, preventing the photographing of state witnesses, the accused, or their legal counsel.
As the trial unfolds, more testimonies and evidence regarding the charges will be presented. The Saldanha Bay community remains deeply engaged, seeking justice for Joshlin and clarity surrounding her disappearance.
This case highlights broader concerns about child safety and human trafficking in the area, prompting discussions about prevention and community vigilance. Authorities are urging anyone with information about Joshlin’s case to come forward, stressing the crucial role of the community in such matters.
The trial’s outcome is expected to significantly impact not only those involved but also the community’s confidence in the justice system’s ability to handle similar cases. As the proceedings progress, the public remains hopeful for a resolution that provides clarity and justice for Joshlin Smith.
