The Mother’s Account of What Happened
Smith insisted during the inquiry that on the day Joshlin vanished, she had left the child in the custody of her lover Appollis.
Because their uniforms weren’t clean, Joshlin and her brother stayed home from school that day, according to state witnesses. Smith allegedly smoked narcotics while in and out of the residence. In the afternoon, Joshlin disappeared, according to state witness Laurentia Lombaard, who was there that day.
Remarkably, it wasn’t until 9:00 PM that the absence was reported.
The community first came together in support of Smith. Police, firefighters, and dog units participated in a high-profile search that combed sand dunes and coastal areas. According to The Sun, a government minister even offered a prize of one million rand (£41,400) for Joshlin’s safe return.
However, with the arrest and trial, popular opinion drastically changed. “She was the one who carried out the action,” stated Amanda Smith-Daniels, Joshlin’s grandma. “I don’t think my grandchild will return no matter what punishment they receive.”
