A man claiming to be Kelly Smith's brother, Mnr Daniels, urged the public to focus on Joshlin Smith's case.
Mickeyla Daniels, Kelly Smith's sister, dropped a bombshell during her testimony before the Western Cape Circuit High Court in Saldanha on Monday. Smith and two co-accused are currently on trial for the kidnapping and human trafficking of her daughter, who disappeared from the family’s home in Middelpos on February 19, 2024. Daniels testified that on February 26, Kelly confided in her that someone was looking to sell Joshlin, the missing child.
Social media has erupted with discussions surrounding Daniels’ testimony, leading to comparisons between her and her sister Kelly, particularly in terms of their appearances and lifestyles. Daniels, a constable at the Public Order Policing (POP) unit in Upington, has garnered attention for her image, while her sister Kelly has been depicted in a more negative light due to the serious accusations against her.
In a social media post that quickly gained traction, Mnr Daniels emphasized the need to redirect attention from personal appearances to the fate of young Joshlin. “I am genuinely saddened by what happened to Joshlin. It still hurts me to this day. What Kelly did to her is horrific. She does not deserve to be called a mother,” he stated, urging people to focus on the young child’s circumstances.
Mnr Daniels elaborated on Kelly's difficult background, stating, “Kelly is the first child my mother had before meeting my father. At that time, my mother was financially unstable and unable to support her.” He recounted how Kelly had the potential for a successful future but succumbed to drug addiction, leading her to make destructive choices.
According to Mnr Daniels, despite multiple efforts from their parents to help Kelly, she rejected their assistance. They had supported Kelly’s children, trying to provide a stable environment for them. However, legal constraints meant they could not take custody of Kelly's children, a situation that has caused the family significant pain.
Across the courtroom, the tension mounted on March 19 during the cross-examination of Lourentia Lombaard, a key witness. Lombaard, who is testifying for the state, claimed that Smith had wrongfully indicated a desire to sell her daughter, alleging Kelly mentioned that those who abducted Joshlin were “looking for her eyes and skin.”
The defense, represented by lawyer Fanie Harmse, has sought to discredit Lombaard by suggesting contradictions in her account regarding the events on February 18, 2024, the day before Joshlin’s disappearance. The focus of this inquiry has been on Lombaard’s testimony regarding various timelines and the sequence of events which may indicate inconsistencies.
As the courtroom drama unfolded, Lombaard was visibly affected. On March 19, she broke down during cross-examination, which led to a temporary adjournment of the trial. Judge Nathan Erasmus noted the emotional toll on the witness and requested that arrangements be made for her health should she not return.
This saga deepened as Mnr Daniels took to social media. In his now-viral post, he highlighted the family’s efforts to connect Kelly with resources that could have helped her overcome her obstacles but lamented her choices instead. He articulated his family’s commitment to his niece by saying, “We made several attempts to get Joshlin and her brother out of that harmful situation.”
As the case progresses, Kelly Smith, along with her boyfriend Jacquen “Boeta” Appollis and Steveno van Rhyn, faces serious allegations, including charges of kidnapping and human trafficking stemming from Joshlin’s mysterious disappearance at the age of six. Each day in court unveils new details and dilemmas, as the community watches, hoping for justice and accountability.
Furthermore, the ongoing public discourse surrounding the case has led many to reflect on the societal implications of family disruption and the impact of addiction. As Kelly's family struggles with this dire situation, concerns remain over the welfare of the missing child, Joshlin, and the decisions made by those who were meant to protect her.
The trial will continue, with observers keenly following the developments for any further revelations that may shed light on Joshlin’s fate. The challenges faced by families, particularly in situations involving substance abuse and child welfare, emerge as critical issues requiring societal intervention and understanding.
