The trial surrounding the disappearance of six-year-old Joshlin Smith took a dramatic turn this week as a key witness testified that Racquel “Kelly” Smith, Joshlin’s mother, was not where she claimed to be on the day her daughter vanished. The testimony, coupled with a lack of CCTV evidence, has cast further doubt on Kelly Smith’s alibi and deepened the mystery surrounding the case.
The Disappearance of Joshlin Smith
Joshlin Smith was last seen on 19 February 2024 at her home in Middelpos, a small town in the Western Cape. Her disappearance sparked a nationwide search and widespread media attention. Kelly Smith, along with Jacquen “Boeta” Appollis and Steveno van Rhyn, stands accused of kidnapping and human trafficking in connection with the case.
Kelly Smith’s Alibi
In her plea explanation, Kelly Smith claimed she was working for Kelly Zeegers and her mother, Carlien Zeegers, on the day Joshlin disappeared. She stated that she was at their home, performing domestic duties, and was unaware of her daughter’s disappearance until later that evening.
However, this alibi was directly contradicted by Kelly Zeegers, who took the stand on Tuesday, 12 March 2024, at the Western Cape Circuit High Court in Saldanha Bay.
Employer’s Testimony: No Sign of Kelly on CCTV
Kelly Zeegers testified that she reviewed CCTV footage from her home for the days surrounding Joshlin’s disappearance, including 18, 19, and 20 February 2024. She stated that there was no trace of Kelly Smith on any of the footage, directly contradicting Smith’s claim that she was at the Zeegers’ home on 19 February.
Zeegers also recounted the night she first learned of Joshlin’s disappearance. She said Kelly Smith called her to ask if Joshlin was at a tuckshop near her home. When Zeegers checked, Joshlin was not there. Later that night, Smith called again, claiming that two children had seen Joshlin walking into the bushes with two men.
A Mother’s Reputation Under Scrutiny
Despite the damning testimony, Carlien Zeegers, Kelly Smith’s other employer, described her as a “good mother” during her testimony on Monday, 11 March 2024. She acknowledged Smith’s shortcomings but emphasized her love for her children.
This contrast between the two testimonies has added complexity to the case, raising questions about Kelly Smith’s credibility and her involvement in her daughter’s disappearance.
The Broader Case: Kidnapping and Human Trafficking
Kelly Smith, along with Appollis and van Rhyn, faces serious charges of kidnapping and human trafficking. The prosecution alleges that the trio conspired to abduct Joshlin, though the motive remains unclear.
The trial has gripped the nation, with many hoping for answers in the heartbreaking case of a young girl who vanished without a trace.
As the trial continues, the court will hear further testimony and examine additional evidence, including the CCTV footage and other witness accounts. The prosecution is expected to build a case around the inconsistencies in Kelly Smith’s alibi, while the defense will likely challenge the reliability of the evidence presented.
The disappearance of Joshlin Smith has left a community in mourning and a nation demanding justice. As the trial unfolds, all eyes remain on the courtroom, where the truth about what happened to Joshlin may finally come to light.
Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter , TikTok and Instagram
For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com
Key Testimonies in Joshlin’s Disappearance Case