The home which missing six-year-old Joshlin Smith shared with her mother, Racquel “Kelly” Smith was burnt to the ground following her mother’s conviction.

Smith was convicted on Friday alongside her boyfriend Jacques Jacquen ‘Boeta’ Appollis, and their friend Steveno ‘Steffie’ van Rhyn for kidnapping and trafficking six-year-old Joshlin.

Police spokesperson, Lieutenant colonel Malcolm Pojie, confirmed that the house in Middelpos, Saldanha, was burned 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

IOL News

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