Joshlin Smith case: Mother escorted out of court amidst ongoing trial drama

Joshlin Smith case: Mother escorted out of court amidst ongoing trial drama! The ongoing trial surrounding the disappearance of six-year-old Joshlin Smith took another dramatic turn on Thursday morning, when her mother, Racquel ‘Kelly’ Smith, was escorted out of the Western Cape High Court after arriving with a visible injury to her forehead.

Kelly, who remains in custody at Langebaan police station, was transported to court in a police van and is facing charges of kidnapping and human trafficking in connection with the disappearance of her daughter. Her boyfriend, Jacquen ‘Boeta’ Appollis, and their friend, Steveno ‘Steffie’ van Rhyn, are co-accused in the matter.

The three were arrested in March 2024, roughly two weeks after Joshlin was reported missing from their home in Saldanha Bay on 19 February 2024. The case has captured national attention, with growing public outrage over the disappearance of the young girl and the disturbing allegations surrounding her last known whereabouts.

Joshlin Smith case

Injury in Police Van Raises Eyebrows

Kelly arrived at court with a notable bump on her forehead, which she allegedly sustained during transport in the back of the police vehicle. While authorities have not released detailed information about how the injury occurred, the visible mark drew immediate attention as she entered the courtroom, reportedly smiling, pouting, and posing for photojournalists gathered outside the White City Multipurpose Centre in Diazville, Saldanha Bay, where the trial is being held.

However, her composure appeared to shift suddenly when she began to cry shortly after her arrival. Within minutes, she was quietly escorted out of the courtroom by court officials.

Emotional Return and Medical Treatment

Despite her earlier exit, Kelly returned to the courtroom later in the day as proceedings resumed. Judge Nathan Erasmus addressed the situation, stating:

“Ms Smith, I have spoken to your lawyer and an arrangement was made for you.”

He explained that she had arrived at court late due to receiving medical treatment for her injuries before attending the day’s proceedings.

This is not the first time Kelly has experienced distress during the court process. Just last Thursday, she was also removed from the courtroom following a medical episode, which required her to be treated in the back rooms of the courthouse. She was able to return to court the next day.

Not Involved in Trial-Within-a-Trial

The current phase of the legal proceedings involves a trial-within-a-trial, where the co-accused are challenging the admissibility of confessions allegedly made under duress. Appollis and Van Rhyn have both claimed they were tortured by police during interrogations and coerced into making false statements. The court is examining the legality of how these confessions were obtained and whether they can be used as evidence in the main trial.

Kelly, however, is not directly involved in this part of the trial, as she has not alleged any police misconduct or assault during her arrest on 5 March 2024. This distinction has separated her from the specific legal arguments being made by her co-accused at this stage.

Community Outrage and Ongoing Questions

Joshlin’s disappearance remains a painful mystery in the Saldanha Bay community. Despite several search operations and public appeals, the child has yet to be found. Her mother’s behavior and demeanor during the trial have sparked mixed reactions, with some questioning her emotional responses and others expressing concern for her mental and physical state.

As the trial continues, the public and media will closely monitor developments, especially around the torture claims, the admissibility of key evidence, and any new information that could lead to locating Joshlin.

Meanwhile, the emotional toll on all parties involved is becoming increasingly apparent, painting a complex picture of a case that has left a community in anguish and a family under a national spotlight.