What Kelly Smith is doing behind bars after Joslin conviction

Racquel “Kelly” Smith has reportedly taken up sewing and modelling programmes while serving a life sentence for trafficking her daughter, Joslin Smith.

Reverend June Dolley-Major, who recently visited Smith at the Worcester Women’s Correctional Facility, revealed details of her prison routine this week.

According to a report, Dolley-Major stated that Smith spends her time attending Bible study and taking part in sewing and modelling programmes offered at the facility.

The activist visited Smith about three weeks ago after Smith asked her to come and pray with her and give her Holy Communion.

Dolley-Major said Smith appeared to be in good spirits during the visit and repeatedly asked about her other children, whom she has not seen for some time.

Kelly continues to deny involvement

Smith continues to deny that she played any role in her daughter’s disappearance.

Dolley-Major said they also discussed unanswered questions surrounding the case and what she described as inconsistencies in versions Smith previously gave about what happened.

Joslin disappeared from her Middelpos home in Saldanha Bay on 19 February 2024 when she was six years old.

Police and volunteers launched extensive searches across the West Coast, but investigators have yet to find her.

Western Cape police confirmed this week that the search remains an active missing-person investigation and that detectives continue to assess information that could have evidential value.

Life sentence for trafficking Joslin

The Western Cape High Court convicted Smith, Jacquen “Boeta” Appollis and Steveno van Rhyn of kidnapping and human trafficking in May 2025.

Judge Nathan Erasmus sentenced all three to life imprisonment for human trafficking and a further 10 years for kidnapping. The kidnapping sentences run concurrently with the life terms.

Smith is serving her sentence in Worcester, while Appollis and Van Rhyn are incarcerated separately.

While Smith has settled into a prison routine, police are still trying to establish where Joslin is.