Jacquen Appollis, Steveno van Rhyn and Kelly Smith.
Image: Ayanda Ndamane
The third day of the Joshlin Smith trial is taking place on Wednesday, where a number of revelations are expected to be made.
The police constable stationed at the Saldanha SA Police Service station is expected to undergo cross-examination by defence counsels.
Constable Luzuko Kobese was one of the police officers stationed at Saldanha who were the first to respond to the call about a missing child.
During his evidence in chief, he gave testimony that corroborated that of his colleague, Constable Yanga Gongotha, the State’s first witness.
Kobese was also the one who took the statement of Joshlin's mother, Kelly Smith, who is facing charges of human trafficking in persons and kidnapping along with Jacquen ‘Boeta’ Appollis, and Steveno van Rhyn.
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On Monday, the trio pleaded not guilty to all charges brought against them.
It is expected that defence counsels will be handing over plea explanations to the court.
Plea explanations are when the accused in a matter explain the reason why they are not guilty of the crimes they are being accused of.
The State will also have another witness lined up to take the stand.
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While the community turnout for proceedings was low on Tuesday, the morning rain could have contributed to the lack of attendance.
There is hope that a bigger turnout of residents will attend the day’s proceedings.
robin.francke@iol.co.za
IOL