Joshlin Smith’s Mother Allegedly Knew Child Was Still in Middlepos, Court Hears

The Western Cape High Court heard shocking testimony on Monday when Kelly Smith’s sister, Mickeyla Daniels, revealed that a week after six-year-old Joshlin Smith disappeared, Kelly allegedly claimed the child was still in the Middlepos informal settlement.

Daniels, a police officer stationed in Upington, Northern Cape, testified that she called Kelly on WhatsApp to ask about Joshlin’s whereabouts. According to Daniels, Kelly responded, “My child is here in the informal settlement. Someone wanted to sell my child, but it’s too heated.”

Daniels recalled how Kelly initially appeared distressed but later seemed unfazed, even discussing the new clothes her other children had received from politician Gayton Mackenzie.

Also Read:

• Chilling Testimony Reveals Missing Joshlin Smith Was Allegedly Sold for R20,000

• State Witness Claims Joshlin Smith’s Mother Planned to Sell Her Children for R5,000

• Joshlin Smith’s Disappearance: Social Worker Reveals Shocking Details About Mother’s Actions

[WATCH] State witness Laurentia Lombard says Joshlin Smith’s mother, Kelly Smith, confessed to her that the person who took the girl wanted her “eyes and skin”.#Newzroom405 pic.twitter.com/K5gtUQ1nfF

— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) March 17, 2025

Witness Testimonies Unfold in Kidnapping Trial

The trial, currently underway in Saldanha Bay, sees Kelly Smith, Jacquin “Boeta” Appolis, and Steven van Rhyn facing charges of kidnapping and human trafficking. The court is hearing witness accounts to determine what happened to Joshlin, who has been missing for over a year.

Another state witness, Lourencia Lombaard, made a chilling revelation during her testimony. Lombaard, who was initially the fourth accused but turned state witness after charges against her were dropped, claimed that Kelly confided in her about Joshlin’s disappearance.

According to Lombaard, Kelly allegedly admitted that Joshlin was taken for her “eyes and skin.”

“Rens, I know what I did with Joshlin,” Lombaard quoted Kelly as saying. She also claimed Kelly told her that someone was paying her to remain silent but refused to reveal who.

Also Read: TikToker’s Testimony Raises Doubts in Joshlin Smith Case

Lombaard was asked whether she had received any money in connection with the alleged transaction but stated she had not.

As the trial continues, the court seeks to uncover the truth behind Joshlin’s disappearance, with mounting evidence suggesting a disturbing motive.

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Joshlin Wanted for Her Eyes and Skin