Latest News & Developments
joshlin smith
End of May sentencing for those convicted in Joshlin Smith kidnapping
Three offenders convicted in the kidnapping of six-year-old Joshlin Smith are set for sentencing at the end of May, with the hearings taking place close to the community affected by her disappearance.
Sentencing set for end of May in Joshlin Smith kidnapping case
Sentencing for the three convicted kidnappers of six-year-old Joshlin Smith is set for late May, as the community of Diazville seeks answers and justice for the missing child.
Joshlin’s case puts role of Children’s Commissioner under spotlight
Advocates call for accountability from the silent Children’s Commissioner amid a surge in violence against children.
Joshlin Smith wasn't the only one: 2 963 children missing in South Africa
As South Africa confronts staggering statistics about missing children, WMACA calls for immediate community action and awareness to protect the nation’s most vulnerable.
Monique Kekana charged with arson after fire at Kelly Smith's home
A woman has been arrested for arson after allegedly setting fire to a house connected to the tragic disappearance of six-year-old Joshlin Smith, following her mother's conviction for kidnapping and trafficking. The incident has sparked outrage and concern within the community.
Arson charge for woman following fire at home of Kelly Smith
A woman has been arrested for arson after allegedly burning down a house linked to the disappearance of six-year-old Joshlin Smith. The incident follows the conviction of her mother and others for kidnapping and trafficking.
Woman faces arson after Joshlin's home set alight
Monique Kekana, 27, faces arson charges after allegedly setting fire to a house linked to the tragic case of missing six-year-old Joshlin Smith.
The tragic case of Joshlin Smith: A call for parental responsibility and community vigilance
The disappearance of Joshlin Smith, 6, has sparked outrage and discussions about parental responsibility and community vigilance in South Africa. Following the conviction of those involved in her kidnapping, leaders urge collective action to protect vulnerable children.
Joshlin Smith's disappearance exposes the vulnerability of South African children
One of the strong themes that emerged from the Joshlin Smith kidnapping trial was the vulnerability of South African children
Guilty verdicts in the Joshlin Smith case: Accused treated her as a commodity
After a lengthy trial, the Western Cape High Court has found all three accused guilty in the case of missing six-year-old Joshlin Smith, highlighting the disturbing realities of child trafficking and community vulnerability.
Woman arrested in connection with arson attack on Kelly Smith's Middelpos home
The home of six-year-old Joshlin Smith's mother, Racquel 'Kelly' Smith, was engulfed in flames following her conviction for kidnapping and trafficking.
‘She was treated like a commodity’: All three accused found guilty in Joshlin Smith case
Three individuals were convicted of human trafficking in the heart-wrenching case of missing six-year-old Joshlin Smith, prompting a national conversation about the systemic failures that allowed this tragedy to occur.
Joshlin Smith's home destroyed after mother's conviction in kidnapping case
Following the conviction of Racquel 'Kelly' Smith for her role in the kidnapping of her daughter, Joshlin, her home has been destroyed by fire, sparking an arson investigation.
Kelly Smith's home burnt to the ground following kidnapping and trafficking conviction
The home of six-year-old Joshlin Smith's mother, Racquel 'Kelly' Smith, was engulfed in flames following her conviction for kidnapping and trafficking.
'I just want my grandchild back' -Joshlin Smith's grandmother
Following the conviction of Joshlin Smith's kidnappers by the Western Cape High Court, her family and community are left heartbroken and desperate for answers about her fate.
NPA praises verdict in Joshlin Smith kidnapping case as search continues for the six-year-old
The NPA said this case saw the largest number of resources put together from the police, the City of Cape Town, the Navy and the community of Saldanha in the search for Joshlin Smith.
Joshlin Smith case: Accused convicted, but the search for the missing child continues
Judge Nathan Erasmus appreciated the community's support during the Joshlin Smith trial before convicting the accused in the matter. Family and community members were satisfied with outcome but still longed to know the whereabouts of the child. .
Family's anguish: 'I just want my grandchild back' as court convicts kidnappers
As the Western Cape High Court convicts three individuals in the kidnapping of six-year-old Joshlin Smith, her family continues to seek answers about her whereabouts.
Family's anguish continues as court convicts kidnappers of Joshlin Smith
After the Western Cape High Court convicts the kidnappers of six-year-old Joshlin Smith, her family and community are left in anguish, desperately seeking answers about her fate.
'This is not just justice for the community but also justice for Joshlin'- Judge Nathan Erasmus
As Judge Nathan Erasmus prepares to deliver a crucial verdict in the Joshlin Smith case, he underscores the community's need for justice for the missing child.
Guilty verdict for Joshlin Smith’s mother and co-accused in trafficking case
The Western Cape High Court finds Racquel ‘Kelly’ Smith and her accomplices guilty of kidnapping and trafficking six-year-old Joshlin Smith, igniting emotional reactions from the public.
Joshlin Smith’s mother and co-accused guilty of kidnapping and trafficking
Judge Nathan Erasmus delivered the highly anticipated judgment at the White City Multipurpose Centre in Diazville on Friday, bringing to a close a harrowing case that has shaken the West Coast community and captured national attention.
Kelly Smith and co-accused guilty of kidnapping and trafficking
Judge Nathan Erasmus delivered the highly anticipated judgment at the White City Multipurpose Centre in Diazville on Friday, bringing to a close a harrowing case that has shaken the West Coast community and captured national attention.
Joshlin Smith Judgment Day: 'They showed no concern,' says Judge Nathan Erasmus
Judge Nathan Erasmus dis set to deliver a pivotal verdict in the Joshlin Smith case, emphasising the importance of justice for the missing child and the community of Saldanha.
GUILTY! Joshlin Smith’s mother and co-accused found guilty of kidnapping and trafficking
The Western Cape High Court finds Racquel ‘Kelly’ Smith and her accomplices guilty of kidnapping and trafficking six-year-old Joshlin Smith, igniting emotional reactions from the public.