The house where six-year-old Joshlin Smith once lived in Middelpos, Saldanha, was burned to the ground shortly after her mother, Racquel “Kelly” Smith, was convicted for kidnapping and trafficking the child.
Kelly Smith was found guilty alongside her boyfriend Jacques “Boeta” Appollis and their friend Steveno “Steffie” van Rhyn. The case, which has gripped the nation, concluded with a dramatic judgment that confirmed Joshlin had indeed been exchanged in a child trafficking scheme.
Police confirmed that an arson case has been opened and that an adult woman was taken in for questioning in connection with the fire.
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The judgment was delivered at a community centre in Diazville, drawing emotional reactions from the public gallery. Joshlin’s disappearance on February 19, 2024, triggered an intensive manhunt and months-long investigation, eventually leading to the arrests.
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Authorities stated that the search for Joshlin is ongoing, as the child has not yet been found. Sentencing for the convicted trio has been postponed to May 9, 2025, and they remain in custody.
Police continue to urge the public to assist in locating Joshlin, describing her as a green-eyed girl whose case remains a priority.