Kelly Smith Claims Daughter Joslin Was Kidnapped by Nigerians
Kelly Smith alleged that her missing daughter, Joslin, was kidnapped by Nigerians, as presented in the Western Cape High Court. This claim was made to the child’s teacher, Tahirih Edna Maart, during a conversation at a petrol station. The court is currently addressing various aspects of Smith’s background and the circumstances surrounding Joslin’s disappearance.
The Western Cape High Court heard on Wednesday that Kelly Smith, the mother of missing child Joslin Smith, claimed her daughter was kidnapped by Nigerians. This assertion was made on February 23, 2024, to her daughter’s grade one teacher, Tahirih Edna Maart, during a chance encounter at a petrol station.
Smith reportedly stated that she received a call from a Nigerian individual instructing her to act quickly, leading her to express concerns about Joslin being on a boat heading to West Africa. Smith also confided in Maart that she feared for her safety, stating she was scared of community backlash.
During the trial, state prosecutor advocate Zelda Swanepoel questioned Maart about Smith’s claims. Maart was taken aback by Smith’s urgency and apparent anxiety, particularly her emphasis on a man named Boeta, who is the accused in the case alongside Steveno van Rhyn. Both have pleaded not guilty to charges related to kidnapping and human trafficking.
The prosecution outlined that in August 2023, Smith allegedly indicated plans for her children to be taken away or sold in early 2024. The trial is ongoing at a Saldanha Bay multi-purpose center, focusing on the circumstances surrounding Joslin’s disappearance on February 19, 2024.
During courtroom testimony, Maart revealed that she only had Joslin in her class for a short time and described her as neat and quiet. Joslin was absent from school on the day she went missing, reportedly due to her school clothing not being clean and/or her feeling slightly unwell.
Smith filed a missing person report that evening but did not respond to inquiries about Joslin’s absence. Witnesses indicated that communication continued between Maart and Smith, with the latter expressing her distress over Joslin’s disappearance.
Additionally, social worker Siliziwe Mbambo testified, detailing Smith’s troubled history, including threats made against her son and previous drug use. Smith’s attorney, Rinesh Sivnarain, questioned the accuracy of Mbambo’s report, leading to discussions about Smith’s past and her environment, including allegations of abuse from Joslin’s father.
Witnesses also commented on Smith’s behavior in recovery meetings and her non-participation in relapse programs, highlighting a complex familial and psychological background as the trial progresses.
The allegations made by Kelly Smith regarding the kidnapping of her daughter Joslin by Nigerians were presented in the Western Cape High Court. The testimonies highlighted Smith’s distress and fears for her safety amid ongoing legal proceedings related to her daughter’s disappearance. The trial examines Smith’s past behavior and circumstances surrounding the case, with accusations against her and others which complicate the narrative of Joslin’s abduction. Overall, the trial reveals critical insights into familial relationships, personal struggles, and the state’s response to perceived threats against children.
Original Source: mg.co.za
