Kelly Smith, along with her boyfriend Jacquen Appollis and their friend Steveno van Rhyn, is on trial for allegedly organizing the kidnapping of her six-year-old daughter, Joshlin, who disappeared over a year ago in South Africa.

The trio was arrested following Joshlin’s disappearance from outside their home in Saldanha Bay, near Cape Town, in February of the previous year.

Joshlin’s disappearance caused shockwaves throughout South Africa, but despite an extensive search, she remains missing.

All three accused have pleaded not guilty to charges of human trafficking and kidnapping.

Initially, Ms. Smith claimed that Joshlin went missing after she left the girl in Mr. Appollis’s care.

However, prosecutors later accused her of “selling, delivering or exchanging” the six-year-old and lying about her disappearance.

An extensive search for Joshlin was launched, but attention soon turned to Ms. Smith after her friend and former co-accused, Lorentia Lombaard, turned state witness.

The search for Joshlin even caught the attention of Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie, who offered a reward of one million rand (£42,500; $54,000) for her safe return.

The trial is set to take place from 3-28 March at the Saldanha multi-purpose center, which has been converted into a high court specifically for this case.

A judge overseeing the case explained that the location was chosen to ensure the community has access to the proceedings throughout the trial.