In a dramatic turn of events, a home linked to one of South Africa’s most disturbing recent criminal cases has been reduced to ashes. On Friday, May 2, 2025, just hours after Kelly Smith was found guilty of kidnapping and human trafficking, her residence in Middelpos, Saldanha, was set on fire. Authorities have confirmed the arrest of one woman in connection with the incident.
Guilty Verdict Sparks Violent Reaction
Kelly Smith, along with her boyfriend Jacquin Appollis and co-accused Steveno van Rhyn, was found guilty by Judge Nathan Erasmus following an extensive eight-week trial. The trio was convicted of kidnapping and trafficking Joslin Smith, a case that has gripped the nation. The verdict prompted mixed emotions across South Africa, with some community members expressing outrage and frustration that boiled over into acts of violence.
That same evening, a fire erupted at Kelly Smith’s home in Middelpos. According to Western Cape police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Malcolm Pojie, an adult woman has been arrested for arson and taken in for questioning. A video circulating online appears to show the house engulfed in flames, with members of the public cheering as the fire blazed, highlighting the community’s raw emotions regarding the trial’s outcome.
Investigation Into the Arson Underway
Law enforcement quickly registered a case of arson and are currently investigating the full circumstances behind the fire. While one suspect has been detained, authorities have not ruled out the possibility of additional arrests. Community unrest and emotional responses are being monitored to prevent further violence.
Details From the Joslin Smith Trial
The court case that led to the arson incident has been a focal point of national attention. Judge Erasmus found Smith, Appollis, and van Rhyn guilty after a trial that exposed disturbing claims. Lourencia Lombaard, a former co-accused who turned State witness, alleged that a sangoma (traditional healer) was interested in Joslin for ritual purposes involving her eyes and skin.
Appollis also claimed that he had been tortured by police during interrogation, while defense attorneys alleged that police influenced the statements made by both Appollis and van Rhyn. Despite these claims, the judge ruled that the statements were admissible as evidence.
Awaiting Sentencing and Lombaard’s Fate
The convicted trio is expected back in court on May 9, when a sentencing date will be set. Judge Erasmus also noted that a separate ruling regarding Lombaard’s indemnity from prosecution is still pending, adding yet another layer of complexity to the high-profile case.
Public Reaction and Ongoing Concerns
The South African Police Service (SAPS) and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) have publicly welcomed the guilty verdicts. However, many South Africans remain unsatisfied, pointing out that Joslin Smith is still missing and justice remains incomplete without her safe return.
While law enforcement and prosecutors celebrate a legal victory, the emotional and volatile response from the community underscores the deep scars left by the case. Authorities continue to urge the public to refrain from acts of retaliation as the legal process moves toward its next stage.