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"contents": "<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-2620778\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/ED_549175-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" /> Co-accused Stevano van Rhyn during the trial in the Joshlin Smith disappearance case at the White City Multipurpose Centre on March 04, 2025 in Saldanha, South Africa. The suspects are facing charges of kidnapping and trafficking in the case of the Grade 1 Diazville Primary School learner who was last seen on February 19th wearing a light blue T-shirt and light blue denim shorts. (Photo by Gallo Images/Die Burger/Jaco Marais)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-2620787\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/ED_549168-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" /> Co-accused Jacquen Appolis during the trial in the Joshlin Smith disappearance case at the White City Multipurpose Centre on March 04, 2025 in Saldanha, South Africa. The suspects are facing charges of kidnapping and trafficking in the case of the Grade 1 Diazville Primary School learner who was last seen on February 19th wearing a light blue T-shirt and light blue denim shorts. (Photo by Gallo Images/Die Burger/Jaco Marais)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-2620776\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/ED_549159-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" /> Three accused, Jacquen Appolis, Stevano van Rhyn and Kelly Smith during the trial in the Joshlin Smith disappearance case at the White City Multipurpose Centre on March 04, 2025 in Saldanha, South Africa. The suspects are facing charges of kidnapping and trafficking in the case of the Grade 1 Diazville Primary School learner who was last seen on February 19th wearing a light blue T-shirt and light blue denim shorts. (Photo by Gallo Images/Die Burger/Jaco Marais)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-2620779\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/ED_549180-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" /> Legal representative Nobahle Mkabayi during the trial in the Joshlin Smith disappearance case at the White City Multipurpose Centre on March 04, 2025 in Saldanha, South Africa. The suspects are facing charges of kidnapping and trafficking in the case of the Grade 1 Diazville Primary School learner who was last seen on February 19th wearing a light blue T-shirt and light blue denim shorts. (Photo by Gallo Images/Die Burger/Jaco Marais)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-2620777\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/ED_549174-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" /> The trial in the Joshlin Smith disappearance case at the White City Multipurpose Centre on March 04, 2025 in Saldanha, South Africa. The suspects are facing charges of kidnapping and trafficking in the case of the Grade 1 Diazville Primary School learner who was last seen on February 19th wearing a light blue T-shirt and light blue denim shorts. (Photo by Gallo Images/Die Burger/Jaco Marais)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-2620780\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/ED_549209-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1666\" /> MEC Tasneem Motara during a visit to Denver male hostel as part of the Departments hostel revitalisation programme on March 05, 2025 in Soweto, South Africa. The site visit seeks to inspect work done to improve the lives of hostel residents and also engage with the hostel leadership and contractors to understand current progress and challenges. (Photo by Gallo Images/Fani Mahuntsi)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-2620765\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/12870519.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" /> Democratic Congresswoman Melanie Stansbury of New Mexico (R) holds up a sign as US President Donald Trump (L) arrives to address a joint session of the United States Congress at the US Capitol in Washington, DC, USA, 04 March 2025. EPA-EFE/JIM LO SCALZO</p>\r\n\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-2620759\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/12869557.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" /> Democratic Senator from Delaware Lisa Blunt Rochester, along with Senate Democrats, speaks about 'ordinary Americans' they say were adversely affected by President Trump's first month in office outside the US Capitol in Washington, DC, USA, 04 March 2025. President Trump is set to address to a joint session of Congress later in the day. EPA-EFE/JIM LO SCALZO</p>\r\n\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-2620760\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/12869772.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" /> Citizens rally on the Boston Common near the historic Parkman Bandstand, as they call for changes in the policies of US President Donald Trump in Boston, Massachusetts, USA, 04 March 2025. EPA-EFE/CJ GUNTHER</p>\r\n\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-2620770\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/12870768.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1000\" height=\"563\" /> People gather for the funeral of the victims in Bannu, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) province, Pakistan, 05 March 2025. Suspected insurgents attacked an army base in Bannu district, northwestern Pakistan, killing at least 12 civilians and wounding many others on the evening of 04 March, according to police. Authorities stated that two suicide bombers detonated explosive-laden vehicles at the cantonment around 6:30 p.m., causing massive explosions that destroyed nearby houses and mosques. The Pakistani Taliban-affiliated group Jaish Al-Fursan claimed responsibility for the attack. EPA-EFE/ABDULLAH KHAN</p>\r\n\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-2620769\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/12870535.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" /> People pray in front of the statue of John Paul II at the entrance to the Gemelli Hospital, where Pope Francis is hospitalized, in Rome, Italy, 05 March 2025. Pope Francis was admitted to the Agostino Gemelli Hospital in Rome on February 14 due to a respiratory tract infection. EPA-EFE/ANGELO CARCONI</p>\r\n\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-2620771\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/12871087.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" /> A visitor passes in front of the artwork 'Pueblo Mundurucu o Wuyjuyu' by Uyra on display at the Amazonia space within the International Contemporary Art Fair ARCO in Madrid, Spain, 05 March 2025. ARCO International Contemporary Art Fair will open its doors from 05 to 09 March 2025. EPA-EFE/SERGIO PEREZ</p>\r\n\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-2620781\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/GettyImages-2203337897.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"684\" /> A child wears a mask during the 2025 Carnival of Coyolillo on March 4, 2025 in Coyolillo, Mexico. The festival is considered one of the biggest in the Actopan river mountain gap region, thousands of people participate dancing, wearing costumes and walking through the streets. Dances are similar to the ones in Mozambique, Mali and Zambia. (Photo by Hector Quintanar/Getty Images)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-2620767\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/12870534.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" /> Members of the Portela samba school participate in the third day of parades at the Marques de Sapucai Sambadrome in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 05 March 2025. EPA-EFE/Antonio Lacerda</p>\r\n\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-2620757\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/12869218.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" /> A model presents a creation from the Fall/Winter 2025/2026 collection by Pressiat during Paris Fashion Week, in Paris, France, 04 March 2025. The presentation of the women's collections runs from 03 to 11 March 2025. EPA-EFE/CHRISTOPHE PETIT TESSON</p>\r\n\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-2620758\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/12869220.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" /> A model presents a creation from the Fall/Winter 2025/2026 collection by Anrealage during Paris Fashion Week, in Paris, France, 04 March 2025. The presentation of the women's collections runs from 03 to 11 March 2025. EPA-EFE/MOHAMMED BADRA</p>\r\n\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-2620756\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/12868612.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" /> A bee lands on a crocus blossom in Zurich, Switzerland, 04 March 2025. EPA-EFE/ENNIO LEANZA</p>\r\n\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-2620762\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/12870448.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1000\" height=\"606\" /> Large swells are seen at Kirra on the Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia, 05 March 2025. Tropical cyclone Alfred is set to bring heavy rainfall and damaging winds, and is expected to impact a part of the Australian coast for the first time in more than 50 years. Residents are advised to prepare for incoming tropical cyclone Alfred which is due to make landfall later in the week. EPA-EFE/Jason O'Brien</p>\r\n\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-2620763\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/12870449.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1000\" height=\"659\" /> A beach closed sign is displayed at Snapper Rocks on the Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia, 05 March 2025. Tropical cyclone Alfred is set to bring heavy rainfall and damaging winds, and is expected to impact a part of the Australian coast for the first time in more than 50 years. Residents are advised to prepare for incoming tropical cyclone Alfred which is due to make landfall later in the week. EPA-EFE/Jason O'Brien. <em><strong>DM</strong></em></p>",
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"description": "<p class=\"my-0\">Joshlin Smith is a six-year-old girl who disappeared from the Middelpos informal settlement in Saldanha Bay, South Africa, on February 19, 2024. She was a Grade 1 student at Diazville Primary School and was known for her green eyes and infectious smile. Joshlin was described as a soft-hearted and friendly child who was popular among her teachers and classmates. Her disappearance sparked a widespread search effort and significant community concern.</p>\r\n<p class=\"my-0\">Joshlin's mother, Racquel \"Kelly\" Smith, along with her boyfriend Jacquen Appollis and their friend Steveno van Rhyn, are facing charges of kidnapping and human trafficking related to Joshlin's disappearance. The case has been marked by allegations that Kelly orchestrated the sale of her daughter and fabricated details about her disappearance. Another suspect, Lorentia Lombaard, initially faced charges but became a State witness after turning against the other accused</p>",
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Co-accused Stevano van Rhyn during the trial in the Joshlin Smith disappearance case at the White City Multipurpose Centre on March 04, 2025 in Saldanha, South Africa. The suspects are facing charges of kidnapping and trafficking in the case of the Grade 1 Diazville Primary School learner who was last seen on February 19th wearing a light blue T-shirt and light blue denim shorts. (Photo by Gallo Images/Die Burger/Jaco Marais)
Co-accused Jacquen Appolis during the trial in the Joshlin Smith disappearance case at the White City Multipurpose Centre on March 04, 2025 in Saldanha, South Africa. The suspects are facing charges of kidnapping and trafficking in the case of the Grade 1 Diazville Primary School learner who was last seen on February 19th wearing a light blue T-shirt and light blue denim shorts. (Photo by Gallo Images/Die Burger/Jaco Marais)
Three accused, Jacquen Appolis, Stevano van Rhyn and Kelly Smith during the trial in the Joshlin Smith disappearance case at the White City Multipurpose Centre on March 04, 2025 in Saldanha, South Africa. The suspects are facing charges of kidnapping and trafficking in the case of the Grade 1 Diazville Primary School learner who was last seen on February 19th wearing a light blue T-shirt and light blue denim shorts. (Photo by Gallo Images/Die Burger/Jaco Marais)
Legal representative Nobahle Mkabayi during the trial in the Joshlin Smith disappearance case at the White City Multipurpose Centre on March 04, 2025 in Saldanha, South Africa. The suspects are facing charges of kidnapping and trafficking in the case of the Grade 1 Diazville Primary School learner who was last seen on February 19th wearing a light blue T-shirt and light blue denim shorts. (Photo by Gallo Images/Die Burger/Jaco Marais)
The trial in the Joshlin Smith disappearance case at the White City Multipurpose Centre on March 04, 2025 in Saldanha, South Africa. The suspects are facing charges of kidnapping and trafficking in the case of the Grade 1 Diazville Primary School learner who was last seen on February 19th wearing a light blue T-shirt and light blue denim shorts. (Photo by Gallo Images/Die Burger/Jaco Marais)
MEC Tasneem Motara during a visit to Denver male hostel as part of the Departments hostel revitalisation programme on March 05, 2025 in Soweto, South Africa. The site visit seeks to inspect work done to improve the lives of hostel residents and also engage with the hostel leadership and contractors to understand current progress and challenges. (Photo by Gallo Images/Fani Mahuntsi)
Democratic Congresswoman Melanie Stansbury of New Mexico (R) holds up a sign as US President Donald Trump (L) arrives to address a joint session of the United States Congress at the US Capitol in Washington, DC, USA, 04 March 2025. EPA-EFE/JIM LO SCALZO
Democratic Senator from Delaware Lisa Blunt Rochester, along with Senate Democrats, speaks about 'ordinary Americans' they say were adversely affected by President Trump's first month in office outside the US Capitol in Washington, DC, USA, 04 March 2025. President Trump is set to address to a joint session of Congress later in the day. EPA-EFE/JIM LO SCALZO
Citizens rally on the Boston Common near the historic Parkman Bandstand, as they call for changes in the policies of US President Donald Trump in Boston, Massachusetts, USA, 04 March 2025. EPA-EFE/CJ GUNTHER
People gather for the funeral of the victims in Bannu, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) province, Pakistan, 05 March 2025. Suspected insurgents attacked an army base in Bannu district, northwestern Pakistan, killing at least 12 civilians and wounding many others on the evening of 04 March, according to police. Authorities stated that two suicide bombers detonated explosive-laden vehicles at the cantonment around 6:30 p.m., causing massive explosions that destroyed nearby houses and mosques. The Pakistani Taliban-affiliated group Jaish Al-Fursan claimed responsibility for the attack. EPA-EFE/ABDULLAH KHAN
People pray in front of the statue of John Paul II at the entrance to the Gemelli Hospital, where Pope Francis is hospitalized, in Rome, Italy, 05 March 2025. Pope Francis was admitted to the Agostino Gemelli Hospital in Rome on February 14 due to a respiratory tract infection. EPA-EFE/ANGELO CARCONI
A visitor passes in front of the artwork 'Pueblo Mundurucu o Wuyjuyu' by Uyra on display at the Amazonia space within the International Contemporary Art Fair ARCO in Madrid, Spain, 05 March 2025. ARCO International Contemporary Art Fair will open its doors from 05 to 09 March 2025. EPA-EFE/SERGIO PEREZ
A child wears a mask during the 2025 Carnival of Coyolillo on March 4, 2025 in Coyolillo, Mexico. The festival is considered one of the biggest in the Actopan river mountain gap region, thousands of people participate dancing, wearing costumes and walking through the streets. Dances are similar to the ones in Mozambique, Mali and Zambia. (Photo by Hector Quintanar/Getty Images)
Members of the Portela samba school participate in the third day of parades at the Marques de Sapucai Sambadrome in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 05 March 2025. EPA-EFE/Antonio Lacerda
A model presents a creation from the Fall/Winter 2025/2026 collection by Pressiat during Paris Fashion Week, in Paris, France, 04 March 2025. The presentation of the women's collections runs from 03 to 11 March 2025. EPA-EFE/CHRISTOPHE PETIT TESSON
A model presents a creation from the Fall/Winter 2025/2026 collection by Anrealage during Paris Fashion Week, in Paris, France, 04 March 2025. The presentation of the women's collections runs from 03 to 11 March 2025. EPA-EFE/MOHAMMED BADRA
A bee lands on a crocus blossom in Zurich, Switzerland, 04 March 2025. EPA-EFE/ENNIO LEANZA
Large swells are seen at Kirra on the Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia, 05 March 2025. Tropical cyclone Alfred is set to bring heavy rainfall and damaging winds, and is expected to impact a part of the Australian coast for the first time in more than 50 years. Residents are advised to prepare for incoming tropical cyclone Alfred which is due to make landfall later in the week. EPA-EFE/Jason O'Brien
A beach closed sign is displayed at Snapper Rocks on the Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia, 05 March 2025. Tropical cyclone Alfred is set to bring heavy rainfall and damaging winds, and is expected to impact a part of the Australian coast for the first time in more than 50 years. Residents are advised to prepare for incoming tropical cyclone Alfred which is due to make landfall later in the week. EPA-EFE/Jason O'Brien. DM