Trial begins for Joshlin Smith’s disappearance, mother, co-accused charged

Joshlin Smith

Cape Town – The trial for six-year-old Joshlin Smith’s disappearance began on Monday, with the mother Racquel “Kelly” Chantel Smith, her boyfriend Jacquen Appolis, and firend Stevano van Rhyn formally charged with kidnapping and human trafficking.

At the Saldanha Bay Multi-purpose Centre, which is being used as a high court for the case, State prosecutor Zelda Swanepoel presented Constable Yanga Gongotha as the first witness.

Gongotha recounted how he responded to a complaint about Joshlin’s disappearance.

According to EWN, he testified that when he arrived in Middelpos, Kelly and another woman flagged him down, claiming Joshlin was missing after Kelly returned from work.

He noted Kelly’s lack of concern, as her behaviour didn’t reflect that of a mother whose child was lost.

Gongotha also mentioned that when Kelly took him to meet Appolis, she didn’t ask about Joshlin’s whereabouts but instead inquired whether he had bought gas.

A Times Live report said that Kelly pleaded not guilty to the kidnapping and human trafficking charges.

Joshlin has been missing for over a year.

Smith reported Joshlin missing on February 19, 2024, claiming the child was being cared for by Appollis.

The state alleges that Smith had planned to sell her children in early 2024 and was involved in a scheme with the co-accused.

If convicted, the trio faces life imprisonment.

The trial continues.

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