Racquel ‘Kelly’ Smith, her boyfriend Jacquen ‘Boeta’ Appollis, and their friend Steveno ‘Steffie’ van Rhyn were found guilty of kidnapping and trafficking six-year-old Joshlin Smith in the Western Cape High Court on Friday.

The court found that Joshlin Smith was exchanged and that she was deprived of her liberty.

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

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.

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

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The court accepted key evidence from State witness Lourentia ‘Renz’ Lombaard, who testified against the accused.

The trio is expected to be remanded in custody ahead of sentencing proceedings. Public reaction outside the venue has been emotional, with some supporters of the family in tears and others applauding the ruling.

This is a developing story. More to follow.

IOL News

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