A video of Jocelyn Smith's mother Kelly crying in court has gone viral, but the public has little sympathy for her.
A Saldana Bey mother-of-three said to be the “mastermind” of her child's disappearance has been charged with kidnapping and human trafficking.
Ms Kelly and her two co-defendants, her boyfriend Jackin Apolis and her friend Steveno van Ryn, appeared in the Vredenburg Magistrates Court on Wednesday 13 March.
They refused their bail application and will be remanded in custody until May 13.
Jocelyn Smith's mother Kelly cries in court
Jocelyn Smith's mother, Kelly, was visibly shaken, unlike her previous court appearance, where she appeared “cold as ice.”
Just before he was taken into custody again, the 33-year-old burst into tears. He was also seen speaking to his family members gathered in the courtroom auditorium.
However, her emotional expression did not resonate with the public.
Here are some reactions on TikTok.
“Imagine the tears her children shed…the pain in her heart.”
“It's too late to shed tears”
“Reality just set in.”
@desireeveldsman0 ♬ Original song – Desireeveldsman
“If you think I'm guilty, you're making a big mistake.”
Even before her mental breakdown in court, Jocelyn Smith's mother has been criticized for showing little emotion towards her missing child in recent weeks.
Earlier this month, in a Facebook Live with Patriotic Alliance leader Gayton McKenzie, Kelly defended his actions.
When Gayton asked why she didn't cry publicly over Jocelyn's disappearance, Kelly replied:
“If you think I'm guilty, you're making a big mistake. That's my child. You don't understand how I feel.
She went on to say: “My pillow is wet. That's how much I cry. I don't walk around crying all day. I have two other children alive. If I cry, I'll kill myself.”
“I feel broken like an egg that no one can repair. I just want to find Jocelyn and hold my child in my arms.”
