A shocking revelation has emerged in the trial of Joshlin Smith, the six-year-old who went missing in February 2024. A state witness, Steven Coetzee, testified that Joshlin’s mother, Racquel ‘Kelly’ Smith, had planned to sell her children for as little as R5,000 in August 2023 ¹.
Coetzee, a Saldanha Bay resident and evangelist, shared his disturbing encounter with Kelly, where she revealed her intentions to have her children taken away. When asked who would take the children and care for them, Kelly allegedly remained tight-lipped. Coetzee also testified that Kelly had mentioned waiting for people who would pay her R20,000, but she would settle for R5,000 if they didn’t have the full amount.
The trial has taken a dramatic turn, with Kelly, her boyfriend Jacquen ‘Boeta’ Appollis, and Steveno ‘Steffie’ van Rhyn facing charges of kidnapping and human trafficking. Their friend and former accused, Laurentia Lombaard, is expected to testify as a state witness.
Other witnesses have also come forward, including Joshlin’s teacher, Edna Maart, who revealed that Kelly had claimed a Nigerian man had contacted her, saying Joshlin was being transported to West Africa. TikToker Shakeerah ‘Shakes Warrior’ Ganief testified that Kelly seemed overly protective of Boeta, becoming visibly angry and frustrated when questioned about him.
The community remains distraught, with many expressing frustration and grief over the lack of progress in the investigation. As the trial continues, the nation waits with bated breath for justice to be served.
