The State has accused Racquel “Kelly” Smith of orchestrating the disappearance of her six-year-old daughter, Joshlin, from their home in Diazville, Saldanha Bay. According to allegations, Smith sold her daughter for R20,000 in a premeditated plan, a development that has left the local community in shock.
Joshlin was last seen on 19 February 2024, after being left at home with her brother Requin and her mother’s partner, Jacquen Appollis. Smith had reportedly gone to work that morning, leaving her children in Appollis’ care.
On Monday, the Vredenburg Magistrates’ Court heard that Kelly had allegedly been planning her daughter’s disappearance for several months. In a surprising turn of events, one of the accused, Lourentia Lombaard, had her charges dropped after she agreed to become a State witness.
According to reports, Smith claimed that when she returned home that day, she discovered Joshlin missing, a Grade 1 learner at Diazville Primary School. However, her arrest, alongside Appollis and another individual, Steveno van Rhyn, on 5 March 2024, painted a different picture. Lombaard was subsequently arrested ten days later, and the group was charged with human trafficking and the kidnapping of Joshlin.
“The indictment reveals that Kelly had planned to have her children removed or sold six months before Joshlin’s disappearance,”
court documents show. It was revealed that Smith had begun discussing her intentions in August 2023, with plans set for early 2024.
The court heard that on 18 February 2024, just one day before Joshlin’s disappearance, Kelly and her daughter approached a white vehicle near their home. An unidentified woman exited the vehicle and spoke briefly with Smith before handing her something, after which Smith and Joshlin returned to their house.
Later that day, according to the indictment, Smith, Appollis, Van Rhyn, and Lombaard allegedly discussed how the proceeds from the sale would be divided.
“On Monday, 19 February 2024, Smith informed Joshlin and Requin that they would not be attending school that day. She then packed Joshlin’s clothes into a bag and left for work, leaving the children and the bag in Appollis’ care,”
the court document states.
Disturbing further details emerged, describing how later that same day, Lombaard, Appollis, and Van Rhyn consumed drugs inside the home, with both children present. Hours later, Smith reportedly returned to the house, took Joshlin and the bag, and left on foot.
“Accused 3 [Kelly] and Joshlin got into a white motor vehicle that drove away. Later that night, Smith began searching for Joshlin and reported her missing to the police,”
reads the indictment.
A Missing Person’s Enquiry was opened by the authorities following Smith’s report. However, within weeks, all four individuals—Smith, Appollis, Van Rhyn, and Lombaard—were arrested in connection with the disappearance. Despite extensive investigations, Joshlin remains missing.
The prosecution has indicated that further arrests could be made as the investigation continues.
“The State will adduce evidence of documents and pointing outs relating to Appollis and Van Rhyn. Despite ongoing investigations into the whereabouts of Joshlin, she has still not been found,”
the court was told.
The case is now set to be transferred to the Western Cape High Court, where it will continue under intense scrutiny. Authorities have also indicated that additional charges may be brought forward as more evidence is gathered. As of now, the community of Saldanha Bay, along with the nation, continues to grapple with the gravity of the situation, as hope for Joshlin’s safe return grows ever more distant.
