SENTENCING SPED UP

KELLY Smith, mother of missing meisie Joshlin Smith, will learn her fate at the end of the month.

Kelly, along with berk Jacquen ‘Boeta’ Appollis and chommie Steveno ‘Steffie’ van Rhyn, were convicted of the kidnapping and human trafficking case of Middelpos girl on 2 May.

On Friday, Judge Nathan Erasmus announced during pre-sentencing proceedings at the Western Cape High Court that sentencing proceedings will take place over three days, from 27 to 29 May.

Unusually, the hearings will be held at the White City Multipurpose Centre in Diazville, Saldanha Bay, close to Joshlin’s home and the community most directly affected by her disappearance.

The trio was convicted of kidnapping and trafficking Joshlin, who vanished from her home in Diazville in February 2024. At the time, Joshlin had been left in Boeta’s care while Smith claimed she was at work.

A fourth accused, Lourentia ‘Renz’ Lombaard, turned State witness and provided critical testimony that linked the convicted to the crime. Her evidence formed the backbone of the prosecution’s case. 

Another witness, Steven Coetzee, told the court that in 2023, Kelly Smith had confided in him that she planned to sell her children for R20 000, and was willing to accept R5 000.

During Friday’s proceedings, Erasmus outlined the next steps in the sentencing process and emphasised the importance of victim impact evidence and social worker reports.

He said: “Social worker reports are being prepared and normally take six weeks, but I have requested an expedited process.

“Drafts have been given to defence counsel so they may assist the Department of Social Development in ensuring the necessary consultations are conducted.”

He added that the State will also present victim impact evidence, which, in this case, includes the emotional and psychological toll on both Joshlin and the Diazville community.

The convicted trio will remain in custody at Pollsmoor Prison until Friday, 23 May, when they are scheduled to return to the Western Cape High Court for a procedural appearance.

Subject to confirmation, sentencing proceedings will begin in Saldanha Bay on 27 May, with evidence and arguments expected on 27 and 28 May, and the final sentencing judgment set for 29 May.

Mense who gathered at court, hoping that Kelly would finally reveal what happened to the green-eyed girl were disappointed. 

A community member Shakeerah Ganief said: “We showed up for Joshlin. 

“The hype around Kelly is over. I knew she wouldn’t speak. What else would she tell us?

“If she’s not going to say where Joshlin is or where we can find her, then there’s nothing we, as the community, want to hear from her. I hope she does speak, but I won’t hold my breath.”