Residents of Saldanha Bay can now breathe a sigh of relief as the Western Cape High Court has officially moved the Joshlin Smith trial to their area. This decision, made during a pre-trial appearance on Friday, marks a significant step forward in a case that has deeply affected the local community.
The trial, which was initially set to begin on February 28, has been expedited, with the proceedings set to commence sooner than expected. The chosen venue for the trial is the Multipurpose Centre in Saldanha Bay, a community center that will be converted into a full courtroom for the duration of the trial. Security will be heightened, ensuring the safety of all those involved, while members of the public will be welcomed to observe the proceedings from the gallery.
Judge Nathan Erasmus will preside over the trial, which will focus on the serious charges facing Kelly Smith, her boyfriend Jacquen Appollis, and Steveno van Rhyn. The trio is accused of kidnapping and trafficking in persons for exploitation. Kelly Smith, who was previously incarcerated at Pollsmoor Prison, will now be moved to Malmesbury Prison to be closer to the court where the trial will take place.
The indictment, which was handed over to the court in October, alleges that Kelly Smith had planned to have her children taken away or sold months before Joshlin’s disappearance in August 2023. According to the document, on the day before Joshlin went missing, Kelly and her daughter walked to a white vehicle parked near their home. After speaking with an unknown woman who had exited the vehicle, Kelly allegedly handed something over to her, and they both returned home. It is claimed that Joshlin was sold to this woman in the white car.
As Wednesday marked the one-year anniversary of Joshlin’s disappearance, there have been no new leads regarding her whereabouts, making the upcoming trial all the more crucial for those seeking justice and closure. The court proceedings are expected to shed light on the chilling circumstances surrounding Joshlin’s case and bring some sense of resolution to a grieving community.
