South Africans React to Shocking Discovery of Joslin Smith’s Living Conditions in Middelpos Informal Settlement

For the first time, the world got a glimpse into the harsh conditions that little Joslin Smith endured before her disappearance.

The young girl, whose case has captured national attention in South Africa, lived in a tin shack in the informal settlement of Middelpos, located in Diazville.

The shack was her home alongside her mother, Kelly Smith, her two siblings, and her mother’s boyfriend, Jacquin “Boeta” Appollis.

The Allegations Against Joslin’s Family

Kelly Smith, Boeta Appollis, and their associate Steveno Van Rhyn are facing serious accusations of child trafficking and kidnapping.

The three individuals are allegedly responsible for selling Joslin in an attempt to fund their drug addiction.

All three have denied the charges, pleading not guilty to the accusations.

A Peek Inside the Shack Where Joslin Lived

A TikTok video recently shared by user @vvviralv gave viewers an eye-opening look into Joslin’s family home.

The shack, made of tin and wood, is barely larger than a small room.

It has only one window and is surrounded by trash and muddy ground, reflecting the dire living conditions.

Inside, the shack is seen in disarray with dirt on the floor and furniture overturned, highlighting the squalid environment the young girl had to call home.

Joslin’s Family Situation

Joslin, a blonde-haired, green-eyed girl, lived with her mother, Kelly, her older brother, and younger sister.

The latter has since been placed under the care of the Western Cape Department of Social Development.

In addition to her family, Joslin’s mother’s boyfriend, Boeta, also resided in the home.

Joslin’s brother reportedly often had to collect clean water from a nearby tap, while Kelly received food and clothing parcels from neighbors and her employer.

Testimonies in Court

Over the past two weeks, the High Court has heard shocking testimonies that have painted a troubling picture of Kelly’s actions.

Witnesses have accused her of selling Joslin to fund her addiction to crystal meth, also known as Tik.

A former accused person even claimed that Kelly had sold Joslin to a sangoma (traditional healer) for R20,000.

A Walk Through the Scene of Joslin’s Disappearance

Earlier this month, Kelly, Boeta, and Steveno returned to the shack as part of a court inspection at the location where Joslin vanished.

The trio, shackled and escorted by a heavy police presence, were confronted by angry community members.

In a viral video, one woman shouted at Kelly, calling her a “dirty dog” and accusing her of abandoning her child.

Another local cried out, “Where is Joslin? Your child is looking for you, she misses you.”

Community Outrage and Unanswered Questions

The visit to the shack and the community’s furious reaction highlights the intense emotions surrounding Joslin’s disappearance.

The case continues to unfold, leaving many in South Africa and beyond questioning how a young girl could have been left to endure such horrific living conditions.