Mother of Missing Child Joslin Smith Reports Alleged Kidnap

Kelly Smith, mother of missing child Joslin, alleged her daughter was kidnapped by Nigerians, stating this to teacher Tahirih Maart at a petrol station. The court proceedings reveal both Smith’s troubled past and an alleged plan for Joslin’s abduction. The trial continues to explore the circumstances surrounding Joslin’s disappearance and Smith’s family history.

In the Western Cape High Court, Kelly Smith, the mother of missing child Joslin Smith, is alleged to have informed her child’s teacher, Tahirih Edna Maart, about Joslin’s kidnapping by Nigerians. This allegation was made on February 23, 2024, at a petrol station, just days after Joslin disappeared on February 19. Maart, while on her way to assist in the search for Joslin, was taken aback when Smith suddenly entered her vehicle to share this confidential information.

Maart recounted that Smith expressed fear for her safety and told the teacher about a call from a Nigerian man claiming Joslin was being transported on a boat to West Africa. Smith’s vague references raised alarm, especially when she characterized her partner, Jacquen Appollis—referred to as “Boeta”—as not guilty concerning the situation. Accused alongside Appollis is Steveno van Rhyn, with both denying the charges of kidnapping and human trafficking.

During the hearing, it was revealed that Smith had allegedly planned to sell her children as early as August 2023, scheduling the operation for January or February 2024. Maart had known Joslin for only a month prior to her disappearance, describing her as a neat and quiet child who had missed school due to unwashed clothes or feelings of illness. Smith reported Joslin missing on the evening of February 19, 2024, after having not seen her since the morning.

Maart received a message about Joslin’s disappearance the next morning and reached out to Kelly Smith, who was distressed and confirmed her daughter was missing. In subsequent calls, Maart found Smith to continue to be emotionally affected and unable to provide details regarding Joslin’s whereabouts. The court also examined prior conduct regarding Smith, suggesting a troubled background with potential substance abuse and familial issues leading to her son living with his grandmother away from Smith.

The examination of social worker Siliziwe Mbambo highlighted the family’s turbulent history, including threats made by Smith during her pregnancy with Joslin. Despite past allegations, Smith has denied that her son faced abuse, attributing his living situation to her homelessness, which arose from her struggles with addiction and reported domestic violence.

The trial continues to reveal complex narratives surrounding Smith’s life and her connections with Joslin, igniting considerable public interest and concern for the missing child.

The ongoing trial highlights grave allegations against Kelly Smith regarding the disappearance of her daughter, Joslin. Witness testimonies reveal troubling claims about drug use, potential kidnapping, and a tragic family history, contributing to the larger narrative of Joslin’s case. As the legal proceedings progress, the court is deeply engaged in uncovering the truth surrounding Joslin’s circumstances and her mother’s actions leading up to her disappearance.

Original Source: mg.co.za