Joshlin Smith Trial | ‘Focus should be on what happened to Joshlin', says estranged uncle

In a social media post that has since blown up, Kelly Smith’s youngest brother has broken his silence after more than a year. 

Kelly, the eldest of five siblings who all reside in the Northern Cape is currently on trial for the disappearance of her daughter, Joshlin Smith.

Kelly, her boyfriend, Jacquen ‘Boeta’ Appollis, and Steveno van Rhyn face charges of human trafficking and kidnapping. 

Earlier this week, Kelly’s sister, police constable Mickeyla Daniels took the stand. 

Daniels, who has been described as a blonde bombshell had tongues wagging and social media in a frenzy with her appearance.

This ultimately resulted in social media users comparing Kelly and Daniels to each other. Many drawing comparisons between their looks, lifestyles, and their lives.

The court heard Kelly was taken in by her grandmother who reared her in Saldanha while the other children were brought up in their parents’ home in the Northern Cape. 

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]” 

IOL is in possession of the original post which has since been deleted.

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 Kelly was their mother’s first child before meeting their father. He said his mother was not financially stable at the time and so their grandparents stepped in.

He also explained, like so many others have told IOL before, that Kelly is exceptionally bright and graduated from school with top marks.

The brother said Kelly 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. Kelly remained on drugs during this time. 

He also revealed that their parents wanted to take Kelly’s children and raise them, but legally, they could not do so as the decision was ultimately up to Kelly. 

“We made several attempts to get Joshlin and [and her brother] out of the harmful situation. So, don’t say we didn’t try that or that we don’t care,” he said. 

The brother stated Kelly’s son is now being reared in a loving environment and this has shown a significant difference for the young boy.

He further asked the public not to judge their family without knowing the full story. He also stated their silence was also for their safety.

“There are dangerous individuals connected to Kelly and this case, and we didn’t want to take any risks. We are fully aware of the potential judgment we might face, and it has become exhausting,” he said. 

He urged all social media users to share the message in an attempt to spread light on an issue so many people have become interested in. 

robin.francke@iol.co.za

Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel.

IOL