“She Was Our Flower-Flower”: Family Who Tried to Adopt Joshlin Smith Shares Heartbreak in Court

Tears filled the courtroom at the White City Multipurpose Hall this week as the family who had hoped to adopt missing six-year-old Joshlin Smith shared the depth of their grief.

In powerful victim impact statements read aloud by Court Preparation Officer Deonett Boltney, Natasha Andrews and her teenage daughter Tayla opened their hearts to the court, painting a vivid picture of their love for Joshlin — a child they saw as one of their own.

Joshlin had spent much of her time with the Andrews family before her disappearance. Their bond was so strong that the family offered to formally adopt her, but her biological mother, Kelly Smith, declined. Since then, her absence has left an emotional wound the Andrews say may never heal.

Fourteen-year-old Tayla, who considered Joshlin her sister, wrote a heartfelt poem titled “A Poem to My Sister.” As the poem was read, Tayla and her mother wept openly, along with many in the gallery — including Kelly Smith.

“You’re gone so soon. What did they do to you?” Tayla’s words rang through the courtroom, capturing the raw pain of a teenager grappling with a sister’s disappearance.

In her own statement, Natasha Andrews described the sleepless nights, the unanswered questions, and the aching void left behind. She recalled the joyful chaos of having Joshlin in their home — the giggles during bath time, late-night chats, birthday cake requests, and little rituals like kissing her sore spots to comfort her.

“We miss your laughter, chats, and soft hugs,” Andrews said. “We miss you asking for water all day, calling at the gate with your bright smile… you were part of our family that loves you so much.”

Andrews described Joshlin as a “flower-flower,” the green-eyed child who brought life and laughter to their home. She also shared a touching video montage with the court, showing moments of Joshlin smiling, playing, and speaking — preserving her spirit in the absence of her physical presence.

@iolnews This video, presented in court as part of Natasha Andrews’ statement—the woman who sought to adopt Joshlin—had the entire court in tears. #joshlinsmith #fyp #southafrica ♬ original sound – IOL NEWS

The testimony served as a reminder of the enduring emotional toll this case has had not only on biological relatives but on those who loved Joshlin deeply and unconditionally.

As the trial continues, the Andrews family’s pain is a powerful testament to the life and love Joshlin knew — and the devastating void left behind.

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{Source: IOL}

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