Woman Arrested for Arson at Residence of Convicted Child Trafficker Kelly Smith
A woman in her adulthood has been arrested in connection with the arson of Kelly Smith’s home in Middelpos, Saldanha, shortly after Smith was found guilty of kidnapping and trafficking her six-year-old daughter, Joshlin.
The house, which was previously occupied by Joshlin, was reduced to ashes in the arson incident following the emotionally charged verdict in the courtroom.
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Lieutenant Colonel Malcolm Pojie, spokesperson for the SAPS, confirmed that an arson investigation has been initiated, and an adult woman is currently being questioned.
“We can confirm that Saldanha SAPS has registered an arson case for investigation following the fire that destroyed Kelly Smith’s residence,” stated Pojie.
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Guilty Verdict
On Friday, Judge Nathan Erasmus delivered the awaited judgment at the White City Multipurpose Centre in Diazville, finding Kelly Smith, her boyfriend Jacques Jacquen ‘Boeta’ Appollis, and their accomplice Steveno ‘Steffie’ van Rhyn guilty.
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The trio was convicted of the kidnapping and trafficking of Joshlin, who had been reported missing on February 19, 2024.
The courtroom erupted in applause as Judge Erasmus confirmed that Joshlin had indeed been trafficked, substantiating months of public suspicion and investigative effort.
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The trio has been remanded in custody, with their sentencing scheduled for May 9, 2025, at the Saldanha court.
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Search For Missing Joshlin Continues
Despite these convictions, authorities maintain that the search for Joshlin is ongoing.
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Western Cape Police Commissioner General Thembisile Patekile reassured the public outside the courtroom that searches for the missing girl remain active.
Joshlin’s disappearance has left the West Coast community heartbroken and has triggered a nationwide search along with significant public focus.
As the legal proceedings approach sentencing, the community remains hopeful for answers and the safe return of the missing child.
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