The disappearance of six-year-old Joslin Smith from Saldanha Bay in February 2024 continues to dominate headlines as the trial surrounding her case unfolds. On March 17, 2025, a shocking revelation came from Kelly Smith’s sister, Mickeyla Davids, during her testimony at the White City Multipurpose Centre in Saldanha Bay, Western Cape.
Mickeyla Davids, a South African Police Service (SAPS) constable stationed in Upington, Northern Cape, took the stand as one of the state witnesses. According to her testimony, Kelly Smith confided in her days after Joslin was reported missing, revealing that the little girl was still in Saldanha Bay. Davids claimed Kelly said someone was planning to sell Joslin.
Joslin vanished from the Middlepos informal settlement in Diazville, Saldanha Bay, triggering an intense search effort. The community, local authorities, and even political figures offered rewards for any information that could lead to finding Joslin. The Saldanha Bay mayor placed a R20,000 reward, while Patriotic Alliance (PA) president Gayton McKenzie promised R1 million for credible leads.
In her testimony, Davids strongly denied claims made by her sister Kelly during an earlier interview with McKenzie. Kelly alleged that Davids told her Joslin was sold for R20,000. However, Davids refuted this accusation, insisting she never made such a statement.
The trial has exposed troubling details about Kelly Smith’s lifestyle and actions leading up to Joslin’s disappearance. Kelly admitted that she was under the influence of drugs the day her daughter vanished. A social worker also testified, painting a disturbing picture of Kelly’s history of drug abuse and violence, even claiming that Kelly once threatened to stab her own son.
Adding further weight to the case, Lourentia Lombaard, a former suspect turned state witness, revealed that Kelly had allegedly sold her daughter to a sangoma for R20,000. Lombaard testified that she saw Kelly meeting the sangoma, who had a particular interest in Joslin’s eyes and skin. This chilling revelation suggests that human trafficking and ritualistic motives might be behind Joslin’s disappearance.
The case has also been marred by emotional scenes in court. Joslin’s father, Jose Emke, broke down and collapsed while listening to the social worker’s testimony. Meanwhile, Kelly was seen crying as her former employer described her as a good mother who loved her children.
Alongside Kelly, her boyfriend Jacquin Appollis, Steveno van Rhyn, and Lourentia Lombaard were initially arrested. A fifth suspect, Phumza Sigaqa, was also detained but later released due to lack of evidence. Lombaard eventually turned state witness, while the remaining three face serious charges of kidnapping and human trafficking.
As the trial continues, new revelations and emotional testimonies emerge daily. The case has gripped South Africa, with many hoping for justice for Joslin. However, the truth about what really happened to the young girl remains clouded in mystery as the court proceedings unfold.