Kelly Smith plans to study education, takes up sewing and modelling in prison

Over a year after her imprisonment, Kelly Smith appears to be content in her prison life. In 2024, she gained attention after being accused of kidnapping and trafficking her daughter, Joshlin Smith, from Saldanha. Recently, activist Rev June Dolley-Major disclosed new evidence, urging for additional forensic testing and a comprehensive search of the Saldanha dunes.

Items confirmed to belong to Joshlin were uncovered during the investigation. Joshlin, a six-year-old student at Diazville Primary School, was last seen near her home in Middelpos on February 19, 2024. Shortly thereafter, Kelly, her boyfriend, Jacquen 'Boeta' Appollis, and their friend Steveno van Rhyn were arrested. On May 29, 2025, Kelly, Boeta, and van Rhyn were found guilty of kidnapping and trafficking in persons, receiving life imprisonment plus an additional ten years for kidnapping.

Kelly, Boeta, and van Rhyn are currently incarcerated at Worcester Female Correctional Centre and Brandvlei Prison, respectively. When asked about Kelly's well-being, Dolley-Major revealed that she is hoping for an appeal. The activist has visited Kelly multiple times, stating that Kelly maintains her innocence, claiming she "knows nothing".

She also mentioned that Kelly inquired about her other children, though Kelly may not have seen them. During a visit, Dolley-Major shared that Kelly discovered a yellow ribbon with a bloodstain in the dunes, which was believed to belong to Joshlin. When informed of the ribbon, Kelly's expression changed dramatically, indicating her possible involvement.

Dolley-Major believes the trio may turn on each other due to the mounting pressure. Kelly has expressed her desire to pursue a career in education, aiming to further her studies from prison. She has also learned sewing and modelling while incarcerated, as per Dolley-Major.