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Justice for Joshlin: A Timeline of South Africa’s Criminal Justice Process

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The disappearance of six-year-old Joshlin Smith in February 2024 shook the foundations of South African society. Hailing from the small community of Saldanha Bay in the Western Cape, Joshlin vanished under deeply troubling circumstances that later exposed a harrowing web of drug abuse, exploitation, and human trafficking.

The public response was immediate and intense, with widespread vigils, rallies, and campaigns calling for her safe return and justice for the perpetrators. As law enforcement agencies mobilised extensive resources in the search, legal proceedings simultaneously began to unravel a complex and heartbreaking narrative. The case revealed not only failures within individual families and communities, but also tested the capability and integrity of South Africa’s criminal justice system.

This article presents a detailed timeline of events, exploring the judicial steps taken from the moment Joshlin went missing to the sentencing of those held responsible. It also highlights the role of due process, legal evidence, and the broader impact of this tragedy on legal reform and public consciousness.

Timeline of Events

19 February 2024: The Disappearance

Joshlin Smith was reported missing by her mother, Racquel “Kelly” Smith. According to the police statement, Kelly had left Joshlin in the care of her boyfriend, Jacquen “Boeta” Appollis, while she went to work. Joshlin was last seen at their home in the Middelpos informal settlement in Saldanha Bay. As hours passed without any sign of her, anxiety turned into fear, and the community initiated search efforts.

Soon, Joshlin’s image appeared across social media and national news platforms. However, inconsistencies in the accounts given by her mother and boyfriend drew suspicion. The case began to shift from a missing persons investigation to a criminal matter.

5 March 2024: Arrests Made

Two weeks after Joshlin’s disappearance, police arrested Kelly Smith, Jacquen Appollis, and Steveno van Rhyn. Charges included kidnapping and human trafficking. During interrogation, confessions and allegations surfaced suggesting that Joshlin may have been sold to pay off a drug debt.

The arrests sent shockwaves across the country. Demonstrations erupted outside courtrooms, and citizens demanded accountability and swift justice.

7 March 2024: First Court Appearance

The accused appeared before the Vredendal Magistrate’s Court. Due to security concerns and the sensitive nature of the case, proceedings were brief. The matter was postponed, and the accused were remanded in custody. Tensions outside the courtroom remained high, with citizens voicing outrage over the betrayal of trust and innocence.

10 March 2024: Search Intensifies

While the legal case progressed, search efforts escalated. SAPS, K9 units, and even the Navy joined the search, scouring land and sea in Saldanha Bay and beyond. Authorities considered the possibility that Joshlin had been smuggled aboard a vessel or transported across borders.

15 April 2024: International Investigation

Interpol and international child protection agencies were engaged. Investigators pursued leads suggesting Joshlin may have been trafficked to another country, expanding the scale of the case beyond South African shores.

21 October 2024: State Witness Testifies

Laurentia Lombaard, initially implicated, turned state witness. In exchange for immunity, she revealed that Kelly Smith had allegedly sold Joshlin to a sangoma (traditional healer) for R20,000 and offered Lombaard R1,000 to stay silent. This testimony became a cornerstone of the prosecution’s case.

31 January 2025: Pre-Trial Proceedings

With mounting public interest, the court considered relocating the trial for logistical reasons. It was ultimately decided to convert a multipurpose venue in Saldanha Bay into a courtroom to accommodate the community and ensure transparency.

3 March 2025: Trial Begins

The trial commenced under Judge Nathan Erasmus. All three accused pleaded not guilty to charges of kidnapping and human trafficking. Crowds gathered daily as testimonies unfolded.

March 2025: Key Witnesses Speak

  • Namhla Tinzi, a neighbour, described Kelly’s unusual behaviour on the night Joshlin disappeared and detailed the community’s frantic search.
  • Carlien Zeegers, Kelly’s employer, portrayed her as a troubled woman struggling with addiction.
  • Natasha Andrews, a family friend, shared her unsuccessful attempt to adopt Joshlin and testified about Kelly’s history of drug use and neglect.

Their testimonies painted a portrait of a child living in a dangerous environment and a mother overwhelmed by substance abuse and desperation.

May 2025: Verdict Delivered

Judge Erasmus found Kelly Smith, Jacquen Appollis, and Steveno van Rhyn guilty on all charges. He condemned the crime as “inhuman” and “premeditated,” with Kelly’s betrayal of her maternal role forming a central part of the court’s judgment.

All three were sentenced to life imprisonment for human trafficking, with an additional 10 years for kidnapping. Their names were added to the National Child Protection Register.

Legal Reflections

Due Process and Justice

Despite the emotionally charged nature of the case, South Africa’s courts upheld the principles of due process. The accused were afforded fair trials, legal representation, and the opportunity to present their defence. This reinforced confidence in the legal system’s impartiality.

Public Mobilisation and Social Accountability

The case captured national attention and showcased the power of community action. Citizens were instrumental in demanding transparency and supporting Joshlin’s family, even as they grappled with feelings of betrayal and grief.

Systemic Failures and Calls for Reform

Joshlin’s story exposed deep gaps in social development, child protection, and early intervention services. Experts have since called for legislative reforms to strengthen child welfare oversight and interdepartmental collaboration, particularly in vulnerable communities.

Search Continues

To date, Joshlin has not been found. The R1 million reward for information remains active. Her story, though marked by unimaginable pain, continues to inspire a unified national plea for accountability, awareness, and action.

Conclusion

This article serves as a record of both personal tragedy and systemic reckoning. While justice has been delivered in court, South Africa continues to grapple with broader questions about how to protect its children, support its communities, and ensure that such horrors are never repeated.

References

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