Shocking court testimony reveals Kelly Smith’s history of drug abuse and child neglect in the case of missing six-year-old Joshlin Smith.
Social Worker’s Testimony on Kelly Smith’s Drug Use
In the ongoing trial of missing six-year-old Joshlin Smith, a social worker’s testimony has unveiled a troubling history of drug abuse and child neglect by her mother, Kelly Smith. The case, currently being heard in the Western Cape Circuit High Court in Saldanha Bay, has exposed years of social services intervention with the Smith family.
Siliziwe Mbambo, a social worker from the Western Cape Department of Social Development, testified that she became involved in the case following Joshlin’s disappearance on 19 February 2024. However, official records indicate that social services had been dealing with the family since 2016, primarily due to concerns over Kelly’s substance abuse and neglect of her children.
History of Abuse and Neglect Uncovered
According to Mbambo’s testimony, Kelly’s grandmother was the first to raise concerns about Kelly’s drug use and erratic behaviour. In 2016, she sought help from social services and even attempted to obtain a protection order against Kelly.
The court heard that Kelly frequently threatened her eldest son, Recquen, swearing at him and even making threats to stab him. Reports also documented instances where she threatened her own grandmother. Due to these concerns, Recquen was removed from Kelly’s care and taken to the Northern Cape to live with his great-grandmother.
Despite interventions, Kelly continued to struggle with addiction. Mbambo testified that Kelly was admitted to a rehabilitation facility but refused to participate in an anti-relapse program after her release.
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Current Legal Proceedings
Kelly Smith, alongside Jacquen “Boeta” Appollis and Steveno van Rhyn, is facing charges of kidnapping and human trafficking in connection with Joshlin’s disappearance.
During court proceedings, it was revealed that on the day Joshlin went missing, Kelly had left her under the care of Appollis. Appollis later admitted that he had spent the day using methamphetamine (tik) with van Rhyn and another individual.
The trial continues as more witnesses testify, providing further insights into the events surrounding Joshlin’s disappearance.
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