Joshlin Smith case nears verdict following disturbing testimonies

THE judgment is expected to be handed down this week as Joshlin Smith's trial nears its conclusion.

The six-year-old girl from Middelpos, Saldanha Bay, went missing from her home on 19 February 2024. Two weeks after her disappearance, her mother, Racquel “Kelly” Smith; her boyfriend, Jacquen “Boeta” Appollis, and their friend, Steveno “Steffie” van Rhyn, were arrested.

The trio faces charges of kidnapping and human trafficking, to which they have pleaded not guilty.

Their friend and former accused, Lourentia “Renz” Lombaard, testified that Kelly sold Joshlin to a sangoma for R20,000.

The matter is before the Western Cape High Court, which is sitting at the White City Multipurpose Centre in Diazville. To make the proceedings more accessible, the court was moved closer to Joshlin’s supporters.

Throughout the trial, the court heard chilling testimony that Kelly had, on several occasions, said her missing daughter had “made her famous”.

State witness Nico Steven Coetzee testified that Kelly had told him in August 2023 that she was expecting people to buy her children. She allegedly said she had been offered R20,000 but was willing to accept R5,000.

Joshlin’s teacher, Edna Maart, also testified, telling the court that the day after the Grade 1 pupil from Diazville Primary School went missing, Kelly said her daughter was "in a shipping container and on her way to West Africa".

Almost a week after Joshlin’s disappearance, on 25 February 2024, Detective Captain Wesley Lombard from the Anti-Kidnapping Unit under the Organised Crime Unit interviewed Kelly and Boeta.

“Kelly insisted she loved Boeta and that she was a good mother,” Lombard testified.

When Lombard asked Kelly where Joshlin was, she allegedly responded coldly: “My child is not here anymore. I must carry on with my life because I have two other children.”

Lombard told the court that Kelly became upset when he pressed her further, but said he was particularly disturbed when she remarked, “Joshlin made me famous,” appearing to enjoy the attention.

While Lombard was on the stand, the court entered a trial-within-a-trial. During this phase, Boeta and Van Rhyn claimed that police had assaulted them and forced them to confess and implicate another woman, Phumza Sigaqa, known as Maka Lima.

Presiding Judge Nathan Erasmus later ruled that the statements made by Boeta and Van Rhyn could be admitted into the main trial.

On Thursday, the State closed its case, and the defence followed suit. All three accused elected to exercise their right to remain silent and did not testify.

Before adjourning, Judge Erasmus said he would allow two days, Tuesday and Wednesday, for final arguments. He indicated that he would deliver his verdict on Friday.