Residents of Saldanha Bay have expressed relief after the Western Cape High Court officially transferred the highly anticipated Joshlin Smith trial to their local community.
During a pre-trial appearance on Friday, the three accused—Joshlin’s mother, Kelly Smith, her boyfriend, Jacquen Appollis, and Steveno van Rhyn—were informed that the trial would take place at the Multipurpose Centre in Saldanha Bay.
A Community Courtroom Setup
The venue, typically a community centre, will now serve as a high-security courtroom for the duration of the trial. Judge Nathan Erasmus has been appointed to preside over the proceedings.
To accommodate the high-profile nature of the case, the centre will be transformed into a fully functional courtroom, ensuring that all legal proceedings are conducted in a formal and secure environment.
Additionally, community members will be allowed to attend the trial from the public gallery, a move that has been welcomed by many who have followed the case closely.
Trial Expedited Amidst Growing Interest
Originally, the pre-trial hearing was scheduled for Friday, February 28, but the matter was expedited to allow the trial to proceed without further delay.
With the trial now set to commence, authorities are making final security preparations to ensure a smooth and orderly legal process.
Accused Moved Closer to Court
As part of the logistical adjustments, Kelly Smith, who was previously detained at Pollsmoor Prison, will be transferred to Malmesbury Prison, where Appollis and van Rhyn are already being held. This transfer is intended to bring all accused closer to the courtroom for easier court appearances.
The Shocking Allegations
Kelly Smith, along with her co-accused, is facing serious charges including:
- Kidnapping
- Trafficking in persons for exploitation
According to an indictment handed over to the court in October 2023, investigators believe that Kelly had allegedly planned to have her children taken away or sold as early as August 2023—six months before Joshlin went missing.
A Chilling Timeline of Events
The indictment details a disturbing sequence of events leading up to Joshlin’s disappearance on February 19, 2024:
- On Sunday, February 18, 2024, just one day before Joshlin was last seen, Kelly and Joshlin reportedly walked up to a white vehicle parked near their home.
- A mystery woman allegedly stepped out of the car, had a brief conversation with Kelly, and handed her something before the mother and daughter returned home.
- Authorities suspect that Joshlin may have been sold to the woman in the white car.
One Year Later, No Sign of Joshlin
This Wednesday marked one full year since six-year-old Joshlin Smith vanished, and yet, there have been no major breakthroughs regarding her whereabouts.
Despite multiple searches, public appeals, and a full-scale police investigation, Joshlin remains missing.
The lack of new leads has left family members, investigators, and the Saldanha Bay community frustrated and heartbroken.
A Community Desperate for Justice
With the trial set to begin in their own community, Saldanha Bay residents are hopeful that justice will finally be served.
For many, this case has become deeply personal, as they have watched the events unfold over the past year with shock and disbelief.
Community leaders and activists continue to call for answers, urging anyone with information about Joshlin’s fate to come forward.
Looking Ahead: A Trial That Could Bring Closure
As the legal proceedings unfold, the spotlight will remain firmly on the accused and the evidence presented in court.
If convicted, Kelly Smith, Jacquen Appollis, and Steveno van Rhyn could face lengthy prison sentences for their alleged roles in Joshlin’s disappearance.
For now, the people of Saldanha Bay wait anxiously, hoping that this trial will uncover the truth and bring them one step closer to finding Joshlin.
