Allegations of Kidnapping in Joslin Smith Case: Insights from the Court
Kelly Smith, mother of missing Joslin, alleged to her teacher that Joslin was kidnapped by Nigerians. This claim was made at a petrol station while Smith was en route to help search for her daughter. Smith stated Joslin was on a boat to West Africa, revealing fears for her safety. The trial investigates kidnapping and human trafficking charges against Smith and others, while detailing Smith’s history of personal struggles.
The Western Cape high court recently heard testimony from Tahirih Edna Maart, a teacher at Diazville Primary School, regarding Kelly Smith’s claims about her missing child, Joslin. During a chance encounter at a petrol station on February 23, 2024, Smith alleged that Joslin had been kidnapped by Nigerians. Smith indicated that a Nigerian man had contacted her, warning her to act quickly regarding Joslin’s status, which she stated involved being on a boat headed to West Africa.
Maart recalled Smith’s communication, expressing concern about her safety from the community and emphasizing, “Remember, Boeta is not guilty,” referencing Jacquen Appollis, who is the accused and Smith’s partner. Alongside him, Steveno van Rhyn faces charges of kidnapping and human trafficking. All involved have pleaded not guilty in the ongoing trial, which began last Monday, while another accused, Lourentia Lombaard, now serves as a state witness.
Evidence presented indicates that Smith had communicated plans as early as August 2023 regarding the potential abduction or sale of her children, intended for realization in early 2024. Maart further noted that she had only taught Joslin for about a month and described the child as neat yet quiet. Joslin was absent from school on February 19, 2024, due to unwashed clothing or mild illness, and Smith did not message Maart regarding her absence.
Maart received notification of Joslin’s disappearance through a WhatsApp message from another parent around 4:30 AM on February 20, 2024. When she contacted Smith later that morning, Smith was distraught yet could not provide clear answers about Joslin’s whereabouts. Despite subsequent contact that day, Maart intended to refrain from probing further to avoid distressing Smith.
In the courtroom, Rinesh Sivnarain, Smith’s attorney, previously cross-examined social worker Siliziwe Mbambo. Testimonies highlighted Smith’s troubled history, including threats of violence against her children and substance abuse issues. Despite this, Sivnarain argued Smith denied any mistreatment of her son and insisted his placements were due to her homelessness. The case file also indicated a history of domestic violence directed at Smith from Joslin’s father, Jose Emke, and her refusal to participate in relapse programs despite attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings.
The ongoing trial regarding the case of Kelly Smith and her missing daughter, Joslin, reveals significant allegations of kidnapping and human trafficking, framed within Smith’s troubled history. Testimonies point to alarming claims made by Smith about Joslin’s abduction, juxtaposed with her struggles with substance abuse and prior domestic violence. The unfolding narrative reflects complexities in familial relationships, community safety, and the challenges faced by individuals in distressing situations, emphasizing the urgent need for investigation and clarity about Joslin’s fate.
Original Source: mg.co.za
