Cape Town – The trial of Raquel “Kelly” Smith and Jacquin “Boeta” Appollis in the Joshlin Smith kidnapping and human trafficking case was abruptly adjourned in the Saldanha Bay High Court on Thursday after Smith complained of nausea and left the courtroom.
During a trial within a trial, investigating officer Captain Wesley Lombard testified that Smith initially refused to provide a second statement because she and Appollis wanted to have breakfast at Spur, Times Live reported.
He also recalled that during an interview at Vredenburg police station, days after six-year-old Joshlin went missing, Smith repeatedly stated, “Joshlin made me famous”, which he found inappropriate. He noted that she appeared to be enjoying the attention rather than focusing on her missing child.
Prosecutor Zelda Swanepoel questioned Lombard about obtaining a supplementary affidavit, but he said Smith and Appollis declined, prioritising their breakfast plans.
Watch the proceedings below (Courtesy of SABC News)
“I did ask if we can get another statement but she said she and Boeta must leave because they must get out to the Spur to get breakfast or food and did not have time to make another affidavit,” the report quoted Lombard as saying.
He expressed shock at her apparent lack of concern.
According to IOL, while Lombard was testifying, Smith informed a court orderly that she felt unwell.
Her attorney, Rinesh Sivnarain, relayed the message to Judge Nathan Erasmus, leading to a brief adjournment.
The judge later announced that the trial would resume at noon.
Kelly, along with her boyfriend Jacquen ‘Boeta’ Appollis and their friend Steveno ‘Steffie’ van Rhyn, faces kidnapping and human trafficking charges, to which they have pleaded guilty.
The trial continues.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
