PROJECT: THE JOSHLIN SMITH CASE
- Isabel Spies
- 2 days ago
- 8 min read
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WHO WAS JOSHLIN SMITH:
Joshlin Smith is a six-year-old girl from the Middelpos informal settlement in Saldanha Bay, Western Cape.
TIMELINE OF MAJOR EVENTS IN THIS CASE:
19 FEBRUARY 2024:
Joshlin Smith (6) disappears from her home in the Middelpos informal settlement, Saldanha Bay, Western Cape.
Her mother, Mrs. Kelly Smith, reports her missing later that evening, saying Joslin was left in the care of her partner.
MARCH 2024 (approx.):
Police arrest Mrs. Kelly Smith, her partner Mr. Jacquen “Boeta” Appollis, and Mr. Steveno van Rhyn on suspicion of kidnapping and human trafficking in connection with Joshlin’s disappearance.
Charges against a fourth suspect (an alleged sangoma) are withdrawn.
13 MAY 2024 (Day 84 of the Search):
The Western Cape Government releases statements appealing for the safe return of Joshlin and reports that investigations (including cell phone and DNA analysis) are ongoing.
The court postpones the matter to 15 July 2024.
31 JANUARY 2025:
Pre-trial proceedings in the disappearance case are held in the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court.
3 MARCH 2025:
The kidnapping and human trafficking trial officially begins in the Western Cape High Court, Saldanha Bay.
MARCH 2025 (mid-month):
Witness testimony unfolds — including evidence that Joshlin was possibly "wanted by a sangoma for her eyes and skin".
2 MAY 2025:
The Western Cape High Court finds Mrs. Kelly Smith, Mr. Appollis, and Mr. Van Rhyn guilty of kidnapping and human trafficking in connection with Joshlin’s disappearance.
27 – 29 MAY 2025:
Sentencing proceedings occur.
SUMMARY:
Concise summary of the key legal findings and evidence presented in the Joshlin Smith trial that led to the convictions of her mother, her mother’s partner, and their friend on kidnapping and human trafficking charges:
CENTRAL ALLEGATION:
The state’s core case was that six-year-old Joshlin was intentionally taken and sold by her mother, Mrs. Kelly Smith, on 19 February 2024.
A former co-accused turned state witness, Ms. Lourentia Lombaard, testified that Mrs. Smith told her she had sold Joshlin to a sangoma for about R20,000.00, saying the buyer wanted the child’s “eyes and skin.”
TESTIMONY OF MS. LOURENTIA LOMBAARD (KEY WITNESS):
Ms. Lombaard’s courtroom testimony was central to the prosecution's case, including:
What she said she heard/observed:
She overheard Mrs. Smith admit to selling Joshlin to a sangoma and discussed money offered for silence (promised R1,000.00 to her and R1,200.00 to Mr. Van Rhyn).
She described seeing Mrs. Smith walking with Joshlin and a white car on the last day she was seen.
Admitted issues with her earlier statements:
Ms. Lombaard admitted lying to police and withholding information owing to fear, stress, and drugs, and previously made false statements.
Her truth-telling was assessed against inconsistencies in earlier interviews and confessions.
POLICE AND WITNESS EVIDENCE:
Police Testimony.
A police officer corroborated parts of the disappearance timeline and observations of the accused’s demeanour when reporting Joshlin missing, noting Mrs. Smith appeared unusually calm early in the investigation.
OTHER WITNESS CONTRIBUTIONS:
An evangelist testified that Mrs. Smith had spoken previously of selling her children for money, helping establish a pattern or intent.
DEFENCE ARGUMENTS:
The defence raised several challenges:
Disputed confessions:
Accused like Mr. Jacquen “Boeta” Appollis claimed police coerced confessions through violence and intimidation.
Police conduct:
Defence counsel accused officers of exploiting weaknesses to extract statements — though judges ultimately admitted the evidence.
These claims were weighed but did not outweigh the probative value of the evidence presented by the state.
VERDICT AND LEGAL FINDINGS:
GUILTY VERDICT (2 MAY 2025) -
The Western Cape High Court convicted:
Mrs. Kelly (Racquel) Smith (mother).
Mr. Jacquen “Boeta” Appollis (mother’s partner).
Mr. Steveno van Rhyn (associate).
All were found guilty of kidnapping and human trafficking in connection with Joshlin’s disappearance.
JUDGE'S CONCLUSION -
Judge Nathan Erasmus concluded that the evidence showed a calculated act of human trafficking, not a spontaneous event.
The accused were found to have deprived Joshlin of her liberty and sold her, consistent with the requirements of the trafficking charge.
SENTENCING (29 MAY 2025) -
All three were sentenced to life imprisonment for human trafficking, with concurrent sentences for kidnapping — reflecting the severity and premeditated nature of the crime.
JUNE 2025:
The trio’s legal team files notices to appeal their convictions and sentences.
14 AUGUST 2025:
The National Prosecuting Authority confirms that attempts to appeal the convictions and sentences have been dismissed, reinforcing the life sentences as a strong deterrent against child exploitation.
ONGOING SEARCH AND INVESTIGATION:
As of early 2026, Joshlin has still not been found and her body has not been recovered.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) continues the investigation, with statements that:
They are still actively searching, including revisiting areas with K-9 units and following up on new information received.
They have even said they are extending enquiries internationally to try to locate her.
Police occasionally revisit the convicted trio in prison to ask for information that might lead to Joshlin.
Family members, especially Joshlin’s paternal grandmother, publicly maintain hope that she is still alive, urging authorities not to give up.
COMMUNITY AND PUBLIC REACTION:
The case triggered widespread public grief and sustained local interest, including:
Large community searches involving volunteers, drones, and police units are conducted early in the investigation.
A Joshlin Search Group was formed by Reverend June Major, who actively searched in the dunes and other areas in Saldanha Bay.
Performed scientific tests on items belonging to Joshlin for DNA, which established that the items were possibly linked to her.
The items used were found buried in the sand.
The book about Joshlin Smith is titled Joshlin Smith – Echoes of a Missing Child, reportedly being written by Greg Wells-Clifton and planned for publication (originally set for December 1, 2025).
There has been significant backlash and a petition calling for the book’s cancellation, with critics saying it profits from the tragedy of Joshlin’s disappearance without consent from her family.
The case has also been cited in discussions about political interference and calls to involve specialised Cold Case Units owing to the complexities and delays in finding Joshlin.
This case also highlighted how a focus on the risk of public claims made during live broadcasts can pose a risk to an ongoing criminal investigation.
WHAT MR. GAYTON MCKENZIE HAS SAID:
Mr. Gayton McKenzie, Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture and leader of the Patriotic Alliance (PA), has publicly stated that he has received "credible new information" about the disappearance of Joshlin Smith.
He first made this claim in early January 2026 during a live broadcast on the PA’s social media channels.
Mr. McKenzie has not disclosed any details about the information, what it contains, who gave it to him, or how it might help locate Joshlin.
The claim was also referenced in commentary tied to delays in launching the Joshlin Smith Foundation (a foundation Mr. McKenzie pledged to support), suggesting he may be withholding the foundation launch pending this "new info."
NO OFFICIAL CONFIRMATION FROM AUTHORITIES:
The Western Cape police have publicly stated they have not been formally notified of any new developments or breakthroughs in the Joshlin Smith investigation connected to Mr. McKenzie’s claim.
Independent reporting similarly notes that no official updates or evidence from law enforcement have emerged tied to Mr. McKenzie’s statements.
EXPERT CAUTION:
Crime expert Mr. Mike Bolhuis responded to Mr. McKenzie’s public claims with a clear warning:
Mr. Bolhuis criticised public assertions about active criminal investigations, especially when made on social media or live broadcasts.
He said such public claims, even without details, can undermine police investigations, potentially jeopardise justice and influence witnesses, suspects or public perception.
Mr Bolhuis emphasised that statements by influential figures can impact the course of a case, even if no confidential investigation details are disclosed.
He emphasised that police must balance transparency with protecting the integrity of investigations, safeguarding evidence, and protecting those involved.
Relevant news article: https://mikebh.link/6mtfpg
WHAT IS NOT KNOWN:
Despite Mr. McKenzie’s public comments:
No verifiable evidence has been presented to the police or the public.
The content of the alleged new information remains undisclosed.
It is unclear whether police have followed up on anything linked to Mr. McKenzie’s claim.
Mr. McKenzie has been highly visible in the case over time, previously offering a monetary reward (about R1 million) for information and pushing for national attention, which has drawn both public interest and criticism.
REALISTIC WAY FORWARD IN THE JOSHLIN SMITH'S CASE:
Moving forward requires ethical boundaries:
Joshlin’s name and image should not be commercialised.
Books, documentaries, and social-media speculation:
Should not interfere with investigations.
Should not retraumatise the family.
The family should receive:
Legal guidance.
Trauma counselling.
Protection from harassment.
Community involvement is still important, but it must be structured:
Reporting concrete sightings or evidence.
Supporting organised, SAPS-approved searches.
Sharing official notices only.
What harms:
Rumours.
Witch-hunts.
Naming suspects without evidence.
Viral misinformation.
THE LONG-TERM REALITY:
Cases like Joshlin’s often move in waves, not straight lines:
Periods of silence do not mean the case is closed.
Breakthroughs often come months or years later through:
A confession.
New technology.
Someone finally coming forward.
If you or anyone you know has relevant information, please contact Mr. Mike Bolhuis immediately.
He will ensure that the information is conveyed to the appropriate authorities.
Mr. Bolhuis and Specialised Security Services remain fully committed to working alongside law enforcement
to resolve this matter and the many other serious crimes affecting South Africa,
while continuing their mandate of crime prevention and public education.
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