The Life of Joshlin Prior to Her Absence
Smith and her ex-partner Jose Emke welcomed Joshlin into the world in October 2017.
Instability characterized her brief life. Smith, who battled substance misuse since the age of 15, was abusive when under the influence, according to a social worker. She even threatened to stab her son at one point.
The girl lived with her mother, siblings, and Appollis in a small corrugated iron shanty near Middelpos for the most of her childhood, and she wasn’t formally registered until five months after the legal deadline. The home provided “little in the way of privacy,” according to a social worker.
Natasha Andrews, a family friend, looked after Joshlin when Smith checked herself into recovery and tried to adopt her. Andrews testified in court that “we could have provided for her better than her mother.”
Edna Maart, Joshlin’s teacher, said she was a quiet and orderly kid. Every morning, the class plays Joshlin’s favorite gospel hymn, “God Will Work It Out,” as a way to remember her, according to Maart.
