Joshlin Smith Case: Search For Missing Child Continues Despite Convictions

While the Western Cape High Court delivered a guilty verdict in the high-profile case of 6-year-old Joshlin Smith’s disappearance, the child remains missing—and the search continues.

On Friday, Judge Nathan Erasmus convicted Joshlin’s mother, Racquel “Kelly” Smith (33), her boyfriend Jacquen “Boeta” Appollis (31), and family friend Steveno “Steffie” van Rhyn (27) on charges of kidnapping and human trafficking.

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The judgment, delivered at the White City Multipurpose Centre in Diazville, drew loud applause from community members.

The trio was found guilty under Section 4 of the Prevention and Combating of Trafficking in Persons Act.

Joshlin was last seen on February 19, 2024, at her home in Middelpos, Saldanha Bay, while in Appollis’ care.

Convictions Provide Closure, But the Child Remains Missing

Although many welcomed the court’s decision, the family and community expressed pain over her continued disappearance.

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Her paternal grandmother, Rita Yon, said: “I’m satisfied with the verdict, but Joshlin is still missing.

Kelly must tell us where the child is. That’s what’s heartbreaking.”

Judge Erasmus acknowledged the community’s role in supporting the case and reminded the court that the core tragedy remains unresolved.

Despite the successful prosecution, no evidence presented during the trial has revealed her whereabouts.

Search Still Active

Western Cape Police Commissioner Thembisile Patekile confirmed in a post-trial interview that the investigation into her disappearance remains active.

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“Our net has been cast worldwide. We even searched a vessel in Great Britain for three days. The case is not closed,” he said.

Patekile expressed disappointment that Kelly Smith did not testify.

“We hoped she would take the stand so we could learn the who, what, and where. Unfortunately, she chose to remain silent.”

Authorities are continuing efforts to trace Joshlin’s location, and SAPS is appealing to the public for any new leads.

Advocacy groups, including the TEARS Foundation, stressed the broader issue of child trafficking and the vulnerability of children in poverty-stricken communities.

“Joshlin’s case is a wake-up call,” said Celeste Louw. “We need to address how poverty feeds these crimes.”

Sentencing proceedings are expected to follow soon, as the nation still hoping for answers and the safe return of Joshlin Smith.

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