Joshlin Smith Trial End Nears As Judgment Expected This Week

The nation remains on edge this week as the highly publicised trial of three individuals accused in the disappearance of six-year-old Joshlin Smith draws to a close.

Judge Nathan Erasmus is expected to deliver his ruling on Friday, May 2, following final arguments from both the State and the defence.

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Joshlin, a Grade 1 pupil with green eyes, was reported missing on February 19, 2024, from her home in Middlepos.

Despite months of investigation and court proceedings, the child has not been found.

Accused Opt For Silence

Jacquen “Boeta” Appollis, Steveno van Rhyn, and Joshlin’s mother, Kelly Smith, are facing charges of kidnapping and human trafficking. The State alleges that Joshlin was sold for R20,000.

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After eight weeks of testimony from police officers, medical experts, residents, and family members, the State closed its case last week.

This included a “trial within a trial” to assess the admissibility of certain evidence.

In a move that stunned observers and disappointed the local community, the defence counsel for all three accused confirmed they would not call any witnesses.

Additionally, none of the accused, including Kelly Smith, will testify in their own defence.

Public Outrage

Community members and supporters following the trial were particularly eager to hear from Kelly Smith, whose arrest in March 2024 shocked the nation.

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Since the trial began, Smith has reportedly displayed a carefree attitude in court, often seen smiling and laughing.

Her silence, along with that of her co-accused, has fueled speculation and intensified public emotion surrounding the case.

The decision not to testify has been met with widespread frustration, especially among Middlepos residents who have rallied behind the call for justice for Joshlin.

Final Legal Arguments

With no defence witnesses being presented, both the State and defence teams are now preparing to submit their final legal arguments.

The State will argue that the evidence presented sufficiently proves that the three accused are guilty of orchestrating Joshlin’s disappearance and trafficking.

The defence is expected to challenge the credibility of the State’s witnesses and the strength of the evidence provided.

Judge Erasmus will then weigh both sides before delivering the long-anticipated verdict.

As South Africa and international observers await the judgment, one haunting fact remains: Joshlin Smith is still missing, and her fate unknown.

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