Raquel "Kelly" Smith is currently on trial over the disappearance of her daughter Joshlin.
Image: Ayanda Ndamane/Independent Newspapers
In a social media post that has since blown up, Raquel "Kelly" Smith’s youngest brother has broken his silence after more than a year.
Smith, the eldest of five siblings who all reside in the Northern Cape, is currently on trial for the disappearance of her 6-year-old daughter, Joshlin Smith.
Smith, her boyfriend Jacquen "Boeta" Appollis, and Steveno van Rhyn, face charges of human trafficking and kidnapping.
Earlier this week, Smith’s sister, police constable Mickeyla Daniels, took the stand.
Daniels, had tongues wagging and social media in a frenzy with her appearance.
Mickeyla Daniels, the younger sister of Kelly Smith, testified for the State.
Image: Armand Hough/Independent Newspapers
This ultimately resulted in social media users comparing Smith and Daniels to each other, and many drawing comparisons between their looks and lifestyles.
In a post, which has since gone viral on Facebook, the brother, only identified as "Mnr Daniels", explained he wanted no part in this, saying: “Focus should be on the important matters at hand, specifically what happened to Joshlin. The attention on my sister’s looks or Kelly’s looks is misplaced. What truly matters is the case of young, innocent Joshlin and the circumstances of her disappearance. [sic]”
The original post has since been deleted.
Joshlin Smith has been missing since February 19, 2024.
Image: Supplied
He also said he is saddened by what happened to his niece and called out his own sister for being a bad mother.
“What Kelly did to her is horrific, she does not deserve to be called a mother. However, I ask you do not judge me or my family for Kelly’s actions,” he said.
Mnr Daniels explained how they grew up in separate homes and that Smith was their mother’s first child before meeting their father.
The brother said Smith had the potential to pursue higher education or secure a good job, but she chose the path of using drugs.
“After my mother met my father, they worked hard to improve their financial situation and offered Kelly help on multiple occasions to get her life back on track but she refused.
“Kelly even told my mother that she would have children to spite her,” the brother said.
He said his sister had her eldest child and continued to battle with her drug addiction, however, the family stepped up and supported the boy, continuously showering him with gifts and clothes.
Later, Joshlin was born, and the family continued their support. Smith remained on drugs during this time.
He also revealed that their parents wanted to take Smith’s children and raise them, but legally, they could not do so as the decision was ultimately up to Smith.
The brother stated Smith’s son is now being reared in a loving environment.
Cape Argus
