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Image of Kelly Smith and her co-accused

Kelly Smith Sentenced to Life for Role in Daughter Joshlin’s Disappearance
Kelly Smith Sentencing.
In a deeply emotional and widely followed case, Racquel “Kelly” Smith was sentenced to life imprisonment by Judge Nathan Erasmus in the Western Cape High Court in Saldanha Bay on Thursday, 29 May 2025. The sentencing comes after Smith was found guilty of kidnapping and trafficking her six-year-old daughter, Joshlin Smith, who went missing in February 2024.

Smith was not alone in facing justice. Her co-accused, Jacquen “Boeta” Appollis and Steveno van Rhyn, were also handed life sentences. All three were additionally sentenced to 10 years for kidnapping, to be served concurrently with their life sentences.

Also read: Abdul Khoza: “I Decided to Quit Acting”

What is Kelly Smith conviction?
The court found that Kelly Smith, battling a substance addiction, had orchestrated the sale of her daughter to a traditional healer in a desperate attempt to fuel her drug habit. The details of the case shocked the nation, with evidence revealing a calculated and callous disregard for the young girl’s life.
Despite the convictions, Joshlin Smith remains missing. This fact has only deepened the pain for those closely following the case and for the community of Saldanha Bay. During sentencing, powerful victim impact statements were shared, including one from Smith’s own mother, Amanda Daniels. In her letter, Daniels expressed heartbreak and outrage, accusing Kelly of causing “hell on earth” for her family and of failing to tell the truth about Joshlin’s fate.
Missing Joshlin Smith’s mother.
Also read: Thokoza CIT Robbery Fails as Suspect Loses Leg.
The case has sparked nationwide outrage and grief, prompting renewed calls for greater child protection measures and accountability. As the country comes to terms with the outcome, one question still haunts everyone: Where is Joshlin?

Authorities and the public continue to urge anyone with information to come forward, as the search for answers—and for Joshlin—remains far from over.

The brutal murder of 30-year-old Olorato Mongale, a postgraduate student at Wits University, has sent shockwaves across South Africa, reigniting urgent calls to address the country’s ongoing gender-based violence crisis.
What really happened to Olorato Mongale?
Olorato Mongale, a 30-year-old postgraduate student at Wits University, was tragically murdered on Sunday, May 25, 2025.  She had gone on a date with a man known only as “John,” who picked her up from her residence in Athol, Johannesburg, around 3 p.m.  They traveled through Alexandra and Kew before her body was discovered less than two hours later, around 4:50 p.m., dumped in a black refuse bag in Lombardy West.  Her phone and handbag were found abandoned on 9th Road in Kew  .

Who was Olorato Mongale before death?
Olorato was the only child of her mother, who had experienced multiple miscarriages before her birth.  She was described by family and friends as a vibrant, loving individual with an infectious laugh and a passion for reading.  Her death has sparked widespread outrage and renewed calls for action against gender-based violence in South Africa.

Also read: Kelly Smith Sentenced to Life for Role in Daughter Joshlin’s Disappearance

Mongale was pursuing a postgraduate diploma in business management at Wits University, having previously graduated from Rhodes University.  Described by friends and family as vibrant, loving, and full of promise, her untimely death has left a community in mourning.
Images of police inpecting the car of the suspects
How the investigation going so far?
The vehicle used in the crime was a white Volkswagen Polo with cloned number plates registered to a Toyota Hilux.  This car was later found at a panel-beating workshop in Phoenix, Durban, leading to a breakthrough in the investigation.
Police have identified three suspects: Fezile Ngubane, Philangenkosi Makhanya, and Bongani Mthimkhulu.  All are currently at large, and a nationwide manhunt is underway.
Also read: Thokoza CIT Robbery Fails as Suspect Loses Leg.
The public is urged to assist in locating the suspects.  Anyone with information can contact Crime Stop at 08600 10111 or use the MySAPS App to submit tips anonymously.
Image of wanted suspects on the run

Happy birthday 🎂 🥳 🎉 🎈 🎁 Lamiez Holworthy wife ka Khuli Chana…recently wedded hun 😘 💖

Mother goes viral for celebrating her child’s
Graduation.👀

Where can i get that tracksuit ladies and gents?

There’s always something going wrong in the Modise household… 😭💀
When will they finally catch a break? 👀

#Emzini

what a performance by Tyla

#HouseOfZwide:According to Molefe, South Africa’s Bafana Bafana needs emotional backing as a nation after suffering a defeat to Mexico, a setback that has had a profound impact on the team.💔💔💔😢

#HouseOfZwide:Shoki’s passing is expected to have the truth revealed imminently.💔😢😢

Tonight on #HouseOfZwide 🇿🇦😂

Molefe says South Africa needs emotional support as a country after losing to Mexico. The defeat clearly hit him harder than expected! 😭💔⚽️ #HouseOfZwide