Woman Arrested After Arson Attack On Convicted Child Trafficker Kelly Smith’s Home

Police have arrested an adult woman in connection with the torching of Kelly Smith’s home in Middelpos, Saldanha, shortly after Smith was found guilty of kidnapping and trafficking her six-year-old daughter, Joshlin.

The house the accused woman torch light, was once home to Joshlin, was reduced to ashes in an arson attack that followed the emotionally charged courtroom verdict.

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Lieutenant Colonel Malcolm Pojie, spokesperson for the SAPS, confirmed that a case of arson had been opened and an adult woman was taken in for questioning.

“We can confirm that Saldanha SAPS registered an arson case for investigation after Kelly Smith’s Middelpos dwelling was destroyed by a fire,” said Pojie.

Guilty Verdict

On Friday, Judge Nathan Erasmus delivered the long-awaited judgment at the White City Multipurpose Centre in Diazville, convicting Kelly Smith, her boyfriend Jacques Jacquen ‘Boeta’ Appollis, and their friend Steveno ‘Steffie’ van Rhyn.

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The trio were found guilty of the kidnapping and trafficking of Joshlin, who was reported missing on February 19, 2024.

The courtroom erupted in cheers when Judge Erasmus confirmed that Joshlin had indeed been exchanged, vindicating months of public suspicion and investigative effort.

The trio has been remanded in custody and is expected to return to the Saldanha court for sentencing on May 9, 2025.

Search For Missing Joshlin Continues

Despite the convictions, police stress that the search for Joshlin is ongoing.

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Western Cape Police Commissioner General Thembisile Patekile assured the public outside the courtroom that efforts to locate the missing girl have not stopped.

Joshlin’s disappearance devastated the West Coast community and triggered a widespread manhunt and national attention.

As the legal process heads toward sentencing, the community remains hopeful for answers and the safe return of the missing child.

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