Joshlin Smith kidnapping case: Investigating officer details why he charged mother
Joshlin Smith kidnapping case: Investigating officer details why he charged mother! The kidnapping case of six-year-old Joshlin Smith has taken a dramatic turn as Captain Wesley Lombard, the investigating officer, explained in court why he decided to charge Kelly Smith, the child’s mother, with kidnapping.
Lombard, a seasoned detective in the South African Police Service’s (SAPS) anti-kidnapping unit, concluded his testimony on Thursday, providing key insights into the investigation and the circumstances that led to multiple arrests.
Joshlin Smith kidnapping case
How the Investigation Led to Arrests
According to Lombard, by the time he took over the investigation, detectives had already identified four persons of interest in connection with Joshlin’s disappearance. These individuals were:
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Kelly Smith (Joshlin’s mother)
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Jaquen Appollis
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Stevano van Rhyn
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Lourentia Lombaard
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During his testimony, Lombard detailed the events leading to the arrests, explaining that he became increasingly suspicious of Kelly Smith due to her unusual behavior.
“She did not behave like a mother who had lost her child,” Lombard told the court.
This lack of emotion and urgency raised red flags for the experienced detective, prompting him to intensify his investigation into her possible involvement.
Breakthrough in the Case: Smith’s Connection to the Kidnapping
Lombard testified that on the day before their arrest, he was questioning Appollis and Van Rhyn, two of the other accused. During the interrogation, both men made a shocking revelation.
“They told me I must ask Smith what happened to Joshlin,” he revealed.
This statement shifted the focus of the investigation, leading Lombard to directly confront Kelly Smith about her possible role in her daughter’s disappearance.
Confrontation with Kelly Smith
Upon confronting Smith, her reaction further heightened suspicions. Instead of cooperating, she reportedly became aggressive, shouting and swearing at the officer.
“She started shouting and swearing at me when I asked her about Joshlin,” Lombard said.
It was at this moment that Lombard made the critical decision to charge her with kidnapping.
“Based on the information I had gathered, I decided to charge her.”
Following this, Smith, Appollis, and Van Rhyn were officially arrested and transported to Langebaan Police Station on 5 March last year.
Public Outrage and Emotional Courtroom Moments
Joshlin’s disappearance sent shockwaves across South Africa, sparking public outrage and widespread concern. Many had initially sympathized with Smith, believing she was a grieving mother searching for her child. However, as details emerged and suspicions against her grew, public perception began to shift.
The courtroom has been filled with high emotions, with family members, community activists, and concerned citizens closely following the case.
What’s Next? The Trial Continues
With Captain Lombard’s testimony concluded, the trial is set to continue, with more witnesses expected to testify in the coming days.
Key questions still remain unanswered:
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What exactly happened to Joshlin Smith?
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What role, if any, did each of the accused play in her disappearance?
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Will new evidence emerge that could shed light on the whereabouts of the missing child?
The legal proceedings are being closely monitored, as the search for justice for Joshlin continues.
