The house where missing six -year-old Joshlin Smith lived in Middelpos, Saldanha, has been burned to the ground following her mother's conviction.
Image: Leon Lestrade / Independent Newspapers.
THE POLICE have arrested a woman in connection with the arson attack on the home of Racquel "Kelly" Smith, who was earlier found guilty for her involvement in the kidnapping and trafficking of her six-year-old daughter Joshlin.
The home where Joshlin once lived with her mother was reduced to ashes.
Joshlin Smith has been missing since February 19 last year.
Image: Supplied
Smith was convicted on Friday alongside her boyfriend Jacquen "Boeta" Appollis, and their friend Steveno "Steffie" van Rhyn.
Western Cape police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Malcolm Pojie confirmed that the house in Middelpos, Saldanha, was torched on Friday.
"We can confirm that Saldanha SAPS registered an arson case for investigation after Kelly Smith's Middelpos dwelling was destroyed by a fire. An adult female had been taken in for questioning," said Pojie.
Judge Nathan Erasmus delivered the highly anticipated judgment at the White City Multipurpose Centre in Diazville, bringing to a close a harrowing case that has shaken the West Coast community and captured national attention.
The public gallery erupted into cheers after Erasmus confirmed that Joshlin had indeed been trafficked.
Joshlin was reported missing from her home on February 19, 2024. Her disappearance sparked a large-scale manhunt and a months-long investigation that culminated in the arrest of the trio.
Erasmus confirmed that the matter would be brought back to Saldanha for sentencing.
The trio is expected to be remanded in custody ahead of sentencing proceedings.
Outside court, Western Cape police commissioner General Thembisile Patekile said the search for Joshlin has not stopped and that police will continue searching for the green-eyed girl.
The matter has been postponed to May 9, 2025.
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