Fifth week of Joshlin Smith trial – What’s next?

Joshlin Smith

Cape Town – The trial of Jacquen ‘Boeta’ Appollis, Steveno van Rhyn, and Kelly Smith, accused of kidnapping and human trafficking, enters its fifth week on Tuesday.

Six-year-old Joshlin Smith was reported missing on February 19, 2024.

The Western Cape High Court is holding proceedings at the White City Multipurpose Centre in Saldanha. All three accused have pleaded not guilty.

Last week, Detective Captain Wesley Lombard testified, detailing his interactions with Kelly Smith, whom he described as restless and dismissive about her daughter’s disappearance.

He said that Kelly showed little concern and indicated she needed to move on as she had other children.

Lombard also revealed that Kelly initially claimed Joshlin was no longer in Saldanha but provided no further details.

Boeta and Steveno, when questioned, suggested Lombard ask Kelly about Joshlin’s whereabouts. Kelly reacted angrily when confronted, eventually breaking down and admitting, “The child is gone.”

Lombard remains under cross-examination, which is set to continue this week. A new witness is also expected to testify in a trial within a trial.

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