Key Points
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The Joshlin Smith trafficking case exposes child safety failures.
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Three suspects convicted of kidnapping and trafficking Joshlin.
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Verdict welcomed, but her whereabouts are still unknown
The Western Cape High Court delivered a long-awaited verdict Friday in the high-profile Joshlin Smith trafficking case. The ruling convicted three individuals, including the child’s mother, of kidnapping and human trafficking.
The trial took place at the White City Multipurpose Centre in Diazville. Judge Nathan Erasmus read the verdict before a crowd of emotional community members.
As he pronounced the guilty verdicts, many attendees applauded and cheered in response.
The court found Racquel “Kelly” Smith, her partner Jacquen “Boeta” Appollis, and their friend Steveno “Steffie” van Rhyn guilty on two counts.
Count one involved trafficking in persons. Count two was kidnapping. Joshlin disappeared from her home in Middelpos, Saldanha, between February 18 and 19, 2024.
Joshlin Smith trafficking case continues to haunt community
Later that same afternoon, a fire engulfed the home where Joshlin once lived. Authorities from the South African Police Service (SAPS) quickly opened an arson investigation. They also detained an adult woman for questioning.
Lt. Col. Malcolm Pojie, SAPS spokesperson, confirmed the incident. He stated, “Saldanha SAPS registered an arson case after Kelly Smith’s house was destroyed by fire.”
The case, according to Western Cape Police Commissioner Thembisile Patekile, remains open.
Furthermore, Patekile emphasized that the search for Joshlin has gone global. “We even stopped and searched a vessel in Great Britain for three days,” he revealed.
However, they found nothing. Patekile said investigators hoped Kelly would testify during the trial, but she remained silent. As a result, key questions about Joshlin’s location remain unanswered.
Community seeks justice, safety reforms after trafficking verdict
Despite the court’s decision, many in the community view the outcome as bittersweet. Joshlin’s paternal grandmother, Rita Yon, expressed mixed feelings.
“I feel good about the verdict,” she said. “But Joshlin is missing. Kelly must tell us where the child is. That is heartbreaking for me.”
Her sentiment echoed throughout Saldanha. Residents praised the verdict but insisted more must be done to protect children.
Celeste Louw, a representative from the Tears Foundation, said Joshlin’s story reflects the broader struggle faced by vulnerable children.
“This case is the face of many others. Poverty played a role here. What are we doing about that?” she asked.
Advocate Nicolette Bell, Director of Public Prosecutions for the Western Cape, praised the teamwork behind the case.
She noted the collaboration of police, the Navy, the City of Cape Town, and local residents in the investigation.
“This case brought together more resources than any other,” Bell stated. “But our work is not over. As long as Joshlin remains missing, we must continue our efforts.”
In conclusion, the Joshlin Smith trafficking case may have brought legal justice. Yet, it also revealed glaring issues in South Africa’s child protection system.
Until Joshlin is found, many will continue seeking answers—and closure.
