Social worker says Kelly Smith refused help when Joshlin went missing

SALDANHA BAY - A social worker said Joshlin Smith's mother refused help from social services when her daughter went missing.  

Siliziwe Mbambo testified in the Western Cape High Court on Tuesday, where the kidnapping and human trafficking trial is being held.  

ALSO READ:

- Social worker details how Joshlin Smith's mom's drug addiction caused family problems

- New witness testifies Kelly Smith didn't report for duty on day of Joshlin's disappearance

- Joshlin Smith trial: State witness corroborates some details in Kelly Smith's plea explanation

Little Joshlin was reported missing in 2024 from her home in Saldanha Bay.  

Her mother, Kelly Smith, Jacquen Appollis, and Stevano van Rhyn are accused of selling the child to an unknown woman.  

Mbambo detailed how Smith was using drugs while she was pregnant with Joshlin.  

She told the court that in 2016, Smith's eldest child was living with her grandmother, who requested social services due to the child being neglected.  

Mbambo said in 2017, the grandmother kicked Smith out of her home because she was still using drugs.  

The social worker told the court she made various efforts to get Smith into a shelter after Joshlin went missing.  

Mbambo said Smith refused to book herself in, saying she wanted to be part of the search for Joshlin.  

The Department of Social Development later managed to get Smith's two children into foster care.