Joshlin Smith kidnapping trial: Mother’s indifference raises eyebrows

Kelly Smith

Cape Town – The trial of the missing six-year-old Joshlin Smith continues at the Western Cape High Court, with Detective Captain Wesley Lombard expected to testify further on Thursday.

Lombard, who took over the case soon after Joshlin’s disappearance, revealed on Wednesday that Joshlin’s mother, Racquel ‘Kelly’ Smith, told him her daughter was no longer in Saldanha Bay and showed no emotion about her disappearance.

According to IOL, he testified that during a February 25, 2024 interview, Kelly appeared indifferent when discussing her daughter’s disappearance, remarking, “Joshlin is out of Saldanha Bay. What is there to ask? I must go on with my life; I have two other children.”

Joshlin went missing on February 19, 2024. A week later, Kelly, her boyfriend Jacquen ‘Boeta’ Appollis, and their friends Steveno ‘Steffie’ van Rhyn and Lourentia Lombaard were arrested for kidnapping and human trafficking. Charges against Lombaard were later dropped after she became a state witness.

When questioned about how she knew this, Smith could not provide an answer, only saying, “my child is gone”, Lombard said, according to Daily Dispatch.

He said that her demeanor shifted from calm to agitated and aggressive as Lombard pressed for clarification.

Lombard, a 22-year SAPS veteran working in the anti-crime kidnapping unit, challenged her apparent lack of concern, pointing out that while others were dedicating time and resources to finding Joshlin, she showed little interest.

He said he asked Smith: “How can a mother forget about her child in a few days and how can a mother talk like that? You say you are so heartbroken about your child, but you show no emotions. There are people outside who are giving up their time and resources to look for your child, but you are not showing any interest.”

Meanwhile, Joshlin’s father, José Emke, expressed hope for a positive outcome and was emotional during Lombard’s testimony. He said that he had no involvement in the alleged plan and was shocked by the events.

The trial is ongoing, with over 40 witnesses expected to testify.

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