Joshlin Smith's mother breaks down in tears as victim impact statements read out in court

CAPE TOWN - Missing girl, Joshlin Smith's mother, Kelly and members of her family broke down in tears while victim impact statements were read in court.

Smith and her co-accused, Jacquen Appollis and Steveno van Rhyn are set to be sentenced on Thursday.

They were convicted of kidnapping and human trafficking related to the child's disappearance more than a year ago. 

A written account from Joshlin's class teacher and the child's grandmother are among the victim impact statements submitted to court in aggravation of the trio's sentence. 

READ: Judge in Joshlin Smith trial expects new evidence to emerge during sentencing proceedings

Kelly became emotional and broke down in tears as victim impact statements were read out in court on Wednesday.

The court preparation officer, Deonett Boltney, read moving statements from Saldanha resident Cecilia Oliver, who said she became physically and emotionally drained after being actively involved in the search for Joshlin.

Joshlin's Grade 1 teacher, Edna Maart, shared messages from her classmates and recounted how Joshlin's disappearance affected them.

A poem from Joshlin's 14-year-old friend, Taylor Andrews, was also read in court before a damning letter from the child's grandmother, Amanda Daniels, was presented.

Daniels wrote that her daughter, Kelly, made their lives hell.

"How do you sleep, how do you live with yourself?"

Proceedings were briefly adjourned after Smith started sobbing loudly when a short video of Joshlin was shown in court.