‘She is still alive’: Renewed hope for Joslin Smith
The NPA has explained why it believes Joslin Smith is still alive after she went missing from her Saldanha Bay home over a year ago.
The National Prosecuting Authority renewed hope that little Joslin Smith is still alive despite her disappearance over a year ago.
Her disappearance from Salanha Bay has sparked a rescue effort that has spread nationally and even internationally.
A court has convicted and sentenced her mother, Kelly Smith, along with Jacquin “Boeta” Appollis and Steveno van Rhyn, for kidnapping and child trafficking.
NPA BELIEVES JOSLIN SMITH IS STILL ALIVE
In a webinar this week, NPA prosecutor Zelda Swanepoel shared her thoughts about Joslin Smith.
Earlier this month, Swanepoel helped the state convict Joslin’s mother, Kelly Smith, her boyfriend Jacquin “Boeta” Appollis, and their friend Steveno van Rhyn. Western Cape High Court judge Nathan Erasmus sentenced them to life imprisonment for trafficking and kidnapping.
She said of the search for the missing girl: “We have done a comprehensive search in Saldanha of all the exhibits.
“Everything that was found in all of those dunes, all the bones, all the clothing, was analysed, there were no positive DNA results found on anything.
She continued: “I’m convinced that she is still alive. However, I don’t know where she is. I can only hope we find her.”
Will Kelly Smith ever disclose her daughter Joslin’s whereabouts? The Saldanha Bay girl disappeared on 19 February 2024.
(Images via YouTube screenshot: SABC)
Swanepoel noted that Joslin’s case marked the first prosecution she worked on where the missing child remained unfound. She explained that much of the case depended on state witness Lourentia Lombaard. The NPA also hoped that Joslin’s mother would testify.
“We were always hopeful during the trial that the accused would come and testify in the main trial. The plan was to destroy their credibility and demonstrate the improbabilities in their versions. Yes, their decision to remain silent, especially Kelly, was very disappointing,” she added.
CONVICTED APPEAL LIFE SENTENCES
Meanwhile, Joslin’s mother Kelly Smith, along with Appollis and van Rhyn, filed notices this week seeking leave to appeal their convictions and sentences.
The NPA is also awaiting Judge Erasmus to announce the verdict for state witness Lourentia Lombaard on a scheduled date. A 204 inquiry will determine whether to grant Lombaard indemnity based on her testimony. If the court finds that Lombaard lied under oath, it could prosecute her for perjury and related charges.
Lombaard previously stated under oath that Joslin’s mother, Kelly Smith, allegedly sold her to a sangoma for R20 000.