Sold her own daughter for 800 pounds in South Africa (where immigrants just came from and Elon comes from.) For her eyes and skin - the 6 year old has not been found.
#sa
#southafrica
#joshlinsmith

After Joshlin Smith trial, Saldanha Bay mother fears one of her children will be abducted Joshlin is still missing after disappearing from her Middelpos home in Saldanha in February 2024.

A #SaldanhaBay mother said she's living in fear that one of her children will be snatched after witnessing the #JoshlinSmith trial.

After Joshlin Smith trial, Saldanha Bay mother fears one of her children will be abducted Joshlin is still missing after disappearing from her Middelpos home in Saldanha in February 2024.

A #SaldanhaBay mother said she's living in fear that one of her children will be snatched after witnessing the #JoshlinSmith trial.

South African woman gets life sentence for selling daughter
#JoshlinSmith #ChildTrafficking #SouthAfrica
www.youtube.com/watch?v=W8Gm...

Search for Joshlin Smith continues: 'We are going to find her' - Marcel Londt, forensic pathologist Kelly Smith, Jacquen Appollis and Steveno van Rhyn have been sentenced to life in prison for the disappearance of Joshlin Smith.

“We don’t know what we are going to find, but we are going to find Joshlin.”

- Marcel Londt, forensic pathologist (specialising in violence against children) #JoshlinSmith

Search for Joshlin Smith continues: 'We are going to find her' - Marcel Londt, forensic pathologist Kelly Smith, Jacquen Appollis and Steveno van Rhyn have been sentenced to life in prison for the disappearance of Joshlin Smith.

“We don’t know what we are going to find, but we are going to find Joshlin.”

- Marcel Londt, forensic pathologist (specialising in violence against children) #JoshlinSmith

Joshlin Smith: Sentenced trio set to appeal their convictions MANDILHAKE TSHWETE Minutes after receiving life sentences, the three individuals convicted of kidnapping and trafficking six-year-old Joshlin Smith indicated their intention to appeal the ruling. Joshlin’s mother, Racquel ‘Kelly’ Smith, her boyfriend Jacquen ‘Boeta’ Appollis, and family acquaintance Steveno ‘Steffie’ van Rhyn were found guilty in the Western Cape High Court following the child’s disappearance from her Middelpos, Saldanha Bay home on 19 February 2024. The court heard that Joshlin was sold for R20 000. Van Rhyn’s legal representative, advocate Nobahle Mkabayi, say their fight is not over. “I have spoken to my client and he is fine. I maintain that my client is innocent; he only tried to sell a microwave. He was in the wrong place at the wrong time and did not know about this crime. The matter is still pending and going on appeal.” As the three were led away to begin serving life behind bars, the courtroom and community remained united by grief and unanswered questions. Joshlin’s godmother, Natasha Andrews, says the silence from the trio during sentencing deepened the family’s pain. “She was our baby daughter. She lived with us, ate, and went on holidays with us, we did everything for her. “They were given a chance to say something, anything that could have helped us find her, but they said nothing. Kelly didn’t even shed a tear. If they wanted to help, they would have. That chance is gone, and now we just hope one day we find her.” Andrews says she visited Kelly after sentencing. “She was sobbing, but at the end of the day, we still don’t have answers. I remain hopeful that Joshlin will be found. We are not going to give up. Kelly accepted me into her life and into Joshlin’s life. I’ll never stop visiting her until we have an answer.” For many in Saldanha Bay, the sentencing brought a sense of justice but not closure. Resident Chane Biggs, who has been actively involved in the case, says: “After the sentencing, I felt overwhelmed but happy with the outcome. “It’s still heartbreaking because we don’t know where Joshlin is, but we’ll never give up. By faith, we’re going to find her. I agree with what the judge said, they’ve shown no remorse since the day she went missing.” Biggs describes the case as an eye-opener. “I hope it serves as a lesson for everyone to protect our children.” Prominent anti-gender-based violence activist June Dolley-Major says the justice system has done its part, but real justice would only be served when Joshlin is found. “The fight still continues. The search still continues until we find her. I feel some relief, along with the community, but this also highlights the ongoing struggles in communities like Middelpos, where so many children like Joshlin are suffering. What happens next? Do we forget Saldanha? Or do we begin to address the social ills that lead to tragedies like this?” Joshlin’s paternal grandmother, Louretta Yon, says: “What Kelly did was harsh. I know Boeta, he came to my house before. I want to ask him why he didn’t come to my house that day. “Maybe one day she will tell the truth about what happened to Joshlin. I don’t want to say anything to Kelly now.” Kelly’s mother, Amanda Smith-Daniels, expressed her anguish. “It’s hurtful. I will be their mother, and I will raise them. She did the crime, and the law must take its course. It’s not nice that my child has to spend her life in jail, but she did something wrong and must deal with the consequences.” Smith-Daniels says the last time she spoke to Kelly “she said she would take the stand, but she didn’t. She didn’t say what she would have said. I love her. I’m her mother”. “My love will never vanish, because no parent can bury their love. I had a son who passed on, I still cry every day. My love for her will never disappear. I’m a total wreck. I’ve been depressed since this case started.” Despite the sentencing, provincial police commissioner lieutenant general Thembisile Patekile says authorities are still actively searching for Joshlin. “The investigation remains open. We continue to follow every lead,” he says. – IOL News The post Joshlin Smith: Sentenced trio set to appeal their convictions appeared first on The Namibian.

#JoshlinSmith #Kidnapping #Trafficking #JusticeForJoshlin #ChildSafety

Joshlin Smith trial: NPA says protecting children is everyone's responsibility Joshlin's mother, Kelly Smith, Jacquen Appollis and Steveno van Rhyn were handed life sentences after being found guilty of kidnapping and human trafficking related to the child's disappearance.

After sentencing was handed down in the #JoshlinSmith trial, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) highlighted that protecting children was everyone's responsibility.

Joshlin Smith trial: NPA says protecting children is everyone's responsibility Joshlin's mother, Kelly Smith, Jacquen Appollis and Steveno van Rhyn were handed life sentences after being found guilty of kidnapping and human trafficking related to the child's disappearance.

After sentencing was handed down in the #JoshlinSmith trial, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) highlighted that protecting children was everyone's responsibility.

[WATCH] Joshlin Smith trial concludes, three accused sentenced to life in prison Missing girl Joshlin Smith's mother, Kelly Smith, and her two co-accused, Jacquen Appollis and Steveno van Rhyn, have been handed life sentences for the disappearance of the child. Presiding Judge…

WATCH: #JoshlinSmith trial concludes, three accused sentenced to life in prison

(Presiding Judge Nathan Erasmus imposed the sentences at the White City Multipurpose Centre, which was proclaimed a high court specifically for the trial.)

[WATCH] Joshlin Smith trial concludes, three accused sentenced to life in prison Missing girl Joshlin Smith's mother, Kelly Smith, and her two co-accused, Jacquen Appollis and Steveno van Rhyn, have been handed life sentences for the disappearance of the child. Presiding Judge…

WATCH: #JoshlinSmith trial concludes, three accused sentenced to life in prison

(Presiding Judge Nathan Erasmus imposed the sentences at the White City Multipurpose Centre, which was proclaimed a high court specifically for the trial.)

Joshlin Smith trial: Prosecutors ask for maximum sentences for trio Joshlin's mother, Kelly Smith, Jacquen Appollis, and Steveno van Rhyn - are set to be sentenced after being found guilty of kidnapping and human trafficking in the matter.

State prosecutors in the #JoshlinSmith trial have submitted that all of the accused should be handed maximum sentences for their involvement in the little girl's disappearance. #KellySmith

Joshlin Smith trial: Prosecutors ask for maximum sentences for trio Joshlin's mother, Kelly Smith, Jacquen Appollis, and Steveno van Rhyn - are set to be sentenced after being found guilty of kidnapping and human trafficking in the matter.

State prosecutors in the #JoshlinSmith trial have submitted that all of the accused should be handed maximum sentences for their involvement in the little girl's disappearance. #KellySmith

Defence in Joshlin Smith trial begin making final arguments in mitigation of sentencing Earlier on Wednesday, the matter was briefly adjourned after Joshlin's mother, Kelly Smith, started sobbing loudly when a video of the missing girl was played in court.

Defence attorneys in the #JoshlinSmith trial have started making their final arguments in mitigation of sentencing of the accused.

Defence in Joshlin Smith trial begin making final arguments in mitigation of sentencing Earlier on Wednesday, the matter was briefly adjourned after Joshlin's mother, Kelly Smith, started sobbing loudly when a video of the missing girl was played in court.

Defence attorneys in the #JoshlinSmith trial have started making their final arguments in mitigation of sentencing of the accused.

Joshlin Smith trial: Probation officer accuses Kelly Smith of being a manipulative liar Smith, Jacquen Appollis and Steveno van Rhyn are set to be sentenced this week after being found guilty of kidnapping and human trafficking.

A social worker who was the probation officer for the accused in the #JoshlinSmith trial says the missing girl's mother, #KellySmith, is a manipulative liar.

Joshlin Smith trial: Probation officer accuses Kelly Smith of being a manipulative liar Smith, Jacquen Appollis and Steveno van Rhyn are set to be sentenced this week after being found guilty of kidnapping and human trafficking.

A social worker who was the probation officer for the accused in the #JoshlinSmith trial says the missing girl's mother, #KellySmith, is a manipulative liar.

Joshlin Smith trial draws to a close with sentencing proceedings After finding the accused guilty, Presiding Judge Nathan Erasmus warned Joshlin's mother, Kelly Smith, her boyfriend Jacquen Appollis and his friend Steveno Van Rhyn that they face lengthy sentences…

The #JoshlinSmith trial is set to reach its conclusion this week with the sentencing of the missing girl’s mother and her two co-accused, who have been found guilty of kidnapping and human trafficking. #KellySmith

Joshlin Smith trial draws to a close with sentencing proceedings After finding the accused guilty, Presiding Judge Nathan Erasmus warned Joshlin's mother, Kelly Smith, her boyfriend Jacquen Appollis and his friend Steveno Van Rhyn that they face lengthy sentences…

The #JoshlinSmith trial is set to reach its conclusion this week with the sentencing of the missing girl’s mother and her two co-accused, who have been found guilty of kidnapping and human trafficking. #KellySmith

[WATCH] One girl, three accused, a nation watching — The Joshlin Smith trial timeline Sentencing proceedings begin on Tuesday 27 May, but how did we get here? EWN recaps the events that led up to the guilty verdict.

WATCH: Sentencing proceedings begin on Tuesday, 27 May, but how did we get here? EWN recaps the events that led up to the guilty verdict. #JoshlinSmith #KellySmith

[WATCH] One girl, three accused, a nation watching — The Joshlin Smith trial timeline Sentencing proceedings begin on Tuesday 27 May, but how did we get here? EWN recaps the events that led up to the guilty verdict.

WATCH: Sentencing proceedings begin on Tuesday, 27 May, but how did we get here? EWN recaps the events that led up to the guilty verdict. #JoshlinSmith #KellySmith

Joshlin Smith trial: Accused in for a rough time as sentencing proceedings get underway - criminal defence attorney Kelly Smith, Jacquen Appollis, and Steveno van Rhyn were found guilty in April of having a hand in the girl’s disappearance more than a year ago.

Criminal defence attorney William Booth said #KellySmith and two others could be in for a tough time when sentencing proceedings get underway in the kidnapping and human trafficking case of little #JoshlinSmith.

Joshlin Smith trial: Accused in for a rough time as sentencing proceedings get underway - criminal defence attorney Kelly Smith, Jacquen Appollis, and Steveno van Rhyn were found guilty in April of having a hand in the girl’s disappearance more than a year ago.

Criminal defence attorney William Booth said #KellySmith and two others could be in for a tough time when sentencing proceedings get underway in the kidnapping and human trafficking case of little #JoshlinSmith.

Judge in Joshlin Smith trial expects new evidence to emerge during sentencing proceedings Questions now remain about whether the accused will testify in mitigation of their sentences by providing more details as to what really happened to Joshlin.

After being found guilty of kidnapping and human trafficking her daughter, #JoshlinSmith, questions are looming on whether #KellySmith will take the stand to testify during sentencing procedures.

Judge in Joshlin Smith trial expects new evidence to emerge during sentencing proceedings Questions now remain about whether the accused will testify in mitigation of their sentences by providing more details as to what really happened to Joshlin.

After being found guilty of kidnapping and human trafficking her daughter, #JoshlinSmith, questions are looming on whether #KellySmith will take the stand to testify during sentencing procedures.

'Justice is not a verdict. Justice is Joshlin coming home!' - activist Where is Joshlin Smith? Is she alive? What really happened to her?

Where is #JoshlinSmith? Is she alive? What really happened to her?

(Clarence Ford interviews Caroline Peters of the Callas Foundation.)

'Justice is not a verdict. Justice is Joshlin coming home!' - activist Where is Joshlin Smith? Is she alive? What really happened to her?

Where is #JoshlinSmith? Is she alive? What really happened to her?

(Clarence Ford interviews Caroline Peters of the Callas Foundation.)

Joshlin Smith trial: Court finds Kelly and co-accused guilty Judge Nathan Erasmus has found that the state succeeded in proving the guilt of the three accused in counts one and two in the Joshlin Smith disappearance case. On count one, he found them guilty of trafficking in persons. They were also found guilty of kidnapping, which is count two. The trial involving Joshlin’s mother, Racquel ‘Kelly’ Smith, and her co-accused, Jacquen ‘Boeta’ Appollis and Steveno van Rhyn, continued on Friday, where the judge delivered his judgment. “This case primarily concerns Joshlin Smith, a child who is still missing. There is a saying that it takes a village to raise a child. It has implications that for a village to thrive, it must be a healthy environment that ensures that the child grows up healthy,” said Judge Erasmus. “It becomes our responsibility that every child who grows up in our village can turn into a contributing member of our society.” The judge said none of the witness evidence was disproved, further questioning Kelly’s conduct after her child went missing. He also questioned why Kelly did not participate in the search for her child. “The conduct of Appollis and Kelly was not that of a concerned parent, and in my opinion, it was because you knew.” He further said while the three accused had the right to remain silent, that right came at a cost, as they kept silent despite the evidence being brought against them. “Counsel argued in court that this case is the first of its kind, but we don’t know. Maybe it’s just the first that was publicised.” Judge Erasmus told the court that the state was obliged to prove what was done, how, when, the persons involved in the trafficking, why it was done, and the exchange recorded. After 35 days of listening to witnesses, judge Erasmus said there was no evidence presented on behalf of the accused. “From the evidence of the social workers, miss Smith became known as a person who needed assistance as far back as 2016. Miss Smith had an addiction problem that caused further friction with her grandmother. “During 2017, the grandmother reported to the department that Smith had another child, Joshlin. At the time, she could not provide the whereabouts of Smith. “In 2018, Smith visited the department for assistance with her addiction. By then, Joshlin’s birth had not been registered. The social workers assisted her in registering the birth of Joshlin.” An attempt to adopt Joshlin was made in 2018; however, the process could not progress because the parents were not cooperating. The court heard the reason Kelly allegedly sold Joshlin was because of the repeated attempts by the family friends to adopt the missing girl. On Wednesday, Van Rhyn’s defence attorney, Nobahle Mkabayi, told the Western Cape High Court in Saldanha that the state relied on Lourentia ‘Rens’ Lombard’s ‘inconsistent’ evidence to prove its case. Mkabayi took the stand and told judge Nathan Erasmus that the state had failed to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt, and only relied on “speculation” from a witness who previously admitted to being high when Joshlin went missing. Mkabayi disputed the credibility of the prosecution’s key witness, Lombard, and said the state failed to conduct proper investigations. She questioned how Lombard remained quiet through the alleged assaults and torture and only confessed several months later. “We’ve got this 204 [Lombard] who was arrested on 13 March and appeared in court and didn’t confess. From March to 21 October 2024, the same person who was tortured seven months before says, ‘Now I can confess’. That alone says a lot about this 204,” Mkabayi told the court. The defence told the court Lombard went through at least three police officers and told them the same story, only to later admit she had lied because she was scared. “When confronted under cross-examination, she said, ‘No, I was scared’ – scared of what? ‘I was scared, maybe I had a relapse of drugs, so that’s why I lied.’ What surprised me more was that she knew she was lying and continued. In fact, she fooled an officer. That’s the 204 we have before this court. “As if that was not enough, she went to do the confession. These people who took her statement and confession are trained; they are the pride of our country – law enforcement officers. We’ve got a 204, for the second time, who lied before an officer. She then appeared before captain Lombard and did not stop lying. When her statement was brought before this court, it didn’t stand the test of cross-examination.” Mkabayi said Lombard’s testimony was filled with lies, contradictions and inconsistencies. However, the judge on Friday admitted her evidence, along with that of other witnesses. -The Citizen. The post Joshlin Smith trial: Court finds Kelly and co-accused guilty appeared first on The Namibian.

#JoshlinSmith #JusticeForJoshlin #TraffickingAwareness #MissingChildren #ChildSafety

Joshlin Smith trial: Judge dismisses Kelly Smith & Van Rhyn's bid to have their charges withdrawn Defence attorneys for Kelly Smith and Steveno van Rhyn on Wednesday sought to have the kidnapping and human trafficking charges against their clients withdrawn.

The judge in the #JoshlinSmith trial has dismissed an application for the charges against the missing girl's mother to be withdrawn.

Joshlin Smith trial: Judge dismisses Kelly Smith & Van Rhyn's bid to have their charges withdrawn Defence attorneys for Kelly Smith and Steveno van Rhyn on Wednesday sought to have the kidnapping and human trafficking charges against their clients withdrawn.

The judge in the #JoshlinSmith trial has dismissed an application for the charges against the missing girl's mother to be withdrawn.