CAPE TOWN – The trial into the disappearance of six-year-old Joshlin Smith, who vanished from Saldanha Bay in February last year, is nearing its conclusion as defense teams prepare to present their final arguments.
On Wednesday, lawyers representing co-accused Steveno van Rhyn and Kelly Smith will deliver closing arguments before the Western Cape High Court.
Joshlin Smith trial so far
Defense attorney Nobahla Mkabayi will argue for the acquittal of her client, van Rhyn, insisting there is insufficient evidence to secure a conviction.
Following her submission, attorney Rinesh Sivnarain is expected to present closing arguments on behalf of Kelly Smith, Joshlin Smith’s mother, also accused in the case alongside Jacquen Appollis and van Rhyn.
On Tuesday, Fanie Harmse, representing Appollis (accused number one), concluded his arguments. Harmse criticised the state’s case, describing it as inconsistent and unreliable.
“The Section 204 witness statement and the extra-curial statement by accused number one are two mutually exclusive versions. They cannot both be true,” Harmse argued.
The Joshlin Smith trial, which has captured national attention, has yet to yield definitive answers regarding Joshlin’s whereabouts.
Presiding Judge Nathan Erasmus is expected to deliver his ruling on Friday, potentially bringing a long-awaited conclusion to the high-profile case.
Source – EWN
