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‘Tell Us Where She Is’: Calls Mount Over Missing Joshlin Before Court Ruling

Published

3 months ago

May 26, 2025

taryn

The country continues to demand answers regarding the whereabouts of Kelly Smith’s missing six-year-old daughter, Joshlin, as the Western Cape High Court gets ready to sentence her and her two co-accused for human trafficking on Tuesday. There have been increasing calls for Smith to disclose the child’s whereabouts since she disappeared earlier this year.

Smith was recently found guilty of trafficking the young girl, along with Steveno van Rhyn and Jacquen Appollis. Despite the conviction, no details regarding Joshlin’s condition or whereabouts have come to light, which has angered South Africans.

[BREAKING] Judge Nathan Erasmus finds Joshlin’s mother Kelly Smith, Jacquen Appollis and Steveno van Rhyn guilty of kidnapping and human trafficking.#Newzroom405 pic.twitter.com/opGqXJBokS

— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) May 2, 2025

The child advocacy organization Save The Children has reportedly joined the growing chorus demanding justice, according to SABC News. Citing a number of aggravating circumstances, such as the victim’s age, the malevolent intent of those involved, and the continued refusal to tell Joshlin what happened, the organization is requesting that the court impose life sentences.

According to Megan Briede, program director at Save the Children, “there are definitely aggravating factors that support a life sentence.” “We must examine her mother’s intentions and motivations, as well as the fact that Joshlin’s fate is still unknown to us.”

The case’s emotional impact has spurred a national discussion about sentencing guidelines for human trafficking cases and child protection policies. Many think it’s past time for tougher sanctions and a greater focus on child safety.

Joshlin’s family and the general public, meanwhile, are still in pain and are frantic for clarification and responsibility.

It is anticipated that the court’s sentencing next week will garner a lot of attention, with many people hoping it will provide some closure—and most importantly, the truth.