Key Points:
- Police arrested a woman in connection with the arson attack on Kelly Smith’s home.
- Smith and her associates were convicted for kidnapping and trafficking her daughter, Joshlin.
- The court has postponed sentencing until May 9, 2025.
Police have arrested an adult woman in connection with the arson attack on Kelly Smith’s home. The arrest occurred shortly after Smith was convicted of kidnapping and trafficking her six-year-old daughter, Joshlin.
The fire completely destroyed the house in Saldanha, where Joshlin had once lived with her mother. The woman’s arrest follows Smith’s conviction, which also included her boyfriend, Jacques “Boeta” Appollis, and their friend, Steveno “Steffie” van Rhyn.
Arson Attack and Arrest
Police spokesperson Lt. Col. Malcolm Pojie confirmed that a fire destroyed Smith’s home on Friday. The police in Saldanha registered an arson case and detained an adult female for questioning.
“We can confirm that Saldanha SAPS registered an arson case for investigation after Kelly Smith’s home was destroyed by fire. We have taken an adult female in for questioning,” said Pojie.
Court Verdict and Public Reaction
Judge Nathan Erasmus delivered the highly anticipated judgment at the White City Multipurpose Centre in Diazville. His ruling ended a harrowing case that deeply affected the West Coast community and drew national attention.
The public gallery erupted into cheers when Judge Erasmus confirmed that Joshlin had been exchanged. Joshlin had gone missing from her Middelpos home on February 19, 2024. Her disappearance sparked a large-scale manhunt, which eventually led to the arrests of Smith, Appollis, and van Rhyn.
Next Steps for the Convicted Trio
Smith, Appollis, and van Rhyn will remain in custody until the court sentences them. Western Cape Police Commissioner Gen. Thembisile Patekile emphasized that authorities continue to search for Joshlin. Police are still looking for the green-eyed girl.
The case has been postponed to May 9, 2025 for sentencing.
