Kelly Smith’s home burnt to the ground following kidnapping and trafficking conviction

The home where six-year-old Joshlin Smith once lived with her mother, Racquel “Kelly” Smith, has been reduced to ashes following Smith’s conviction for her involvement in the kidnapping and trafficking of her own daughter.

Smith was convicted on Friday alongside her boyfriend Jacques Jacquen ‘Boeta’ Appollis, and their friend Steveno ‘Steffie’ van Rhyn.

Police spokesperson, Lieutenant colonel Malcolm Pojie, confirmed that the house in Middelpos, Saldanha, was torched on Friday.

“We can confirm that Saldanha SAPS registered an Arson case for investigation after Kelly Smith’s Middelpos dwelling was destroyed by a fire. An adult female had been taken in for questioning,” said Pojie.

Judge Nathan Erasmus delivered the highly anticipated judgment at the White City Multipurpose Centre in Diazville, bringing to a close a harrowing case that has shaken the West Coast community and captured national attention.

The public gallery erupted into cheers after Erasmus confirmed that Joshlin had indeed been exchanged.

The gallery erupts as the accused are led our of the cover. Video: Robin-Lee Francke/IOLhttps://t.co/mE8qzx4V5E pic.twitter.com/2dYQkTSoon

— IOL News (@IOL) May 2, 2025

Joshlin was reported missing from her Middelpos home on February 19, 2024. Her disappearance sparked a large-scale manhunt and a months-long investigation that culminated in the arrest of the trio.

Erasmus confirmed that the matter would be brought back to Saldanha for sentencing.

The trio is expected to be remanded in custody ahead of sentencing proceedings. 

Outside court, Western Cape Police Commissioner, General Thembisile Patekile said the search for Joshlin has not stopped and that police will continue searching for the green-eyed girl.

The matter has been postponed to May 9, 2025.

sinenhlanhla.masilela@iol.co.za

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