Joslin Smith’s smiling mom reveals baby bump in court [watch]

A clip of a smiling Kelly Smith – the mother of missing Saldanha Bay girl Joslin Smith – has triggered backlash on social media.

In it, the pregnant woman accused of child trafficking and kidnapping shows off her baby bump and new hairstyle in court.

Kelly and three others – boyfriend Jacquin “Boeta” Appollis and pals Steveno van Rhyn and Lourentia Lombaard – make their third appearance in the Vredenburg Magistrates Court on Monday, 13 May

The accused are expected to return to court on 15 July pending further investigation.

Six-year-old Joslin Smith went missing from her home in the Middelpos informal settlement on 19 February. She has yet to be found.

JOSLIN SMITH’S MOM SHOWS OFF BABY BUMP

In clips posted on social media, Joslin Smith’s mother, Kelly Smith, and her co-accused made a brief appearance in the court.

Her hair is straightened, and she sports a smile, and she greets those gathered in the court gallery. Most noticeable is her baby bump, which has since “popped.”

When a reporter asks her if she “sold” Joslin, Kelly shakes her head. 

“What happened to her?” asks the reporter. “Ask him,” Kelly responds, pointing to her co-accused, Steveno van Rhyn. Steveno shrugs his shoulders when asked the same question.

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According to former accused Phumza Sigaqa, Kelly Smith confirmed her pregnancy while they both were in police custody.

In the comments section, South Africans bemoaned the accused’s appearance and carefree attitude.

“Are they in prison or a hotel?”

“Why do they get a luxury life in prison? It’s wrong.”

“Kelly looks happy. Even her hair is straightened. She must be living the good life.”

“They look well, living on taxpayer money while Joslin is still missing. We don’t even know if she is still alive, hungry or cold”.

POLICE INVESTIGATION: THE LATEST

During the court appearance, state advocate Aradhana Heeramun revealed that forensic evidence and cellphone data are being investigated, claimed the SABC.

She said: “The State is in the process of analysing data.

“Depending on the outcome of the investigation, the State will be in a better position to indicate the status of the investigation”.

In recent weeks, several leads have been followed up on, including searching various properties in the Saldanha Bay area.

However, National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Malcolm Pojie has stated that there are no new developments.

He told Cape Argus:” “No new arrests have been made. The investigation is still ongoing, and the possibility of other suspects being arrested as the investigation unfolds cannot be ruled out. The search for Joshlin continues.

WHAT HAPPENS TO BABIES BORN IN POLICE CUSTODY/PRISON? 

Under South African law, children born to female offenders and those in custody are permitted to stay with their mothers until the age of two years old.

According to GroundUp, Pollsmoor Prison – where Joslin Smith’s pregnant mom is being kept in custody – has a special Baby Mother Unit (BMU).

The publication states that the unit consists of a large house with a garden, a creche next door, and an indoor play area with toys and picture books. 

The BMU – established in 2011 – can provide lodging for eighteen mothers and their babies at a time.