Joshlin kidnapping trial | Mother’s initial conduct under scrutiny

SALDANHA BAY – A state witness has told the court Joshlin Smith’s mother Kelly was indifferent to her child’s disappearance when she reported her missing.

Smith and two co-accused, boyfriend Jacquen Appollis and Steveno van Rhyn, are on trial on kidnapping and human trafficking charges.

Constable Yanga Gongotha was cross-examined by the state prosecutor.

He stuck to his story that along with a colleague, they were patrolling the Middelpos area on 19 February 2024. 

That’s when they were alerted to a case of a missing child.

Gongotha told the court he spoke to Kelly Smith to get details about Joshlin.

He and colleague Constable Luzuko Kobese then drove around following up leads.

Joshlin has been missing for over  a year with no leads on her disappearance. 

The Saldanha Bay community still clings to the hope that Joshlin Smith will be found.