Joshlin Smith trial: New witnesses testify as case enters 7th day

Joshlin Smith trial: New witnesses testify as case enters 7th day! As the trial of missing six-year-old Joshlin Smith enters its seventh day, new witnesses from the Saldanha Bay community are set to provide testimonies regarding the circumstances surrounding her disappearance.

Joshlin was last seen on February 19, 2024. Her mother, Racquel ‘Kelly’ Smith, her boyfriend, Jacquen ‘Boeta’ Appollis, and their friend, Steveno ‘Steffie’ van Rhyn, have been charged with kidnapping and human trafficking.

Key Testimonies in Court

On Monday, four witnesses took the stand, including a police detective and community members.

Constable Refilwe Sekhobe provided crucial details about the initial investigation, testifying that she and her partner, Sergeant Meyer Milstein, became involved in the case shortly after Joshlin’s disappearance.

Joshlin Smith trial

Sekhobe explained that she was in Morreesburg when she received a call about the missing child. Upon arriving at Kelly and Boeta’s home, she found other officers already conducting interviews and gathering evidence.

Sekhobe also disclosed that on the day Joshlin vanished, a woman named Laurentia Lombaard—who has since turned state witness—was using drugs with Kelly and Boeta. Lombaard’s statement provided critical information that led investigators to another suspect, Steveno van Rhyn.

Crucial Leads and Shocking Allegations

During her testimony, Sekhobe described her visit to Van Rhyn’s home on February 22, where she encountered a crowd of concerned community members questioning him.

“I met Mr. Van Rhyn at his residence. He confirmed that he was at Smith and Appollis’ home on the day Joshlin went missing,” Sekhobe told the court.

Initially, Van Rhyn claimed that Laurentia left with Joshlin and later returned alone. However, under further questioning, he admitted that he had not personally witnessed this event.

Sekhobe also noted that Van Rhyn appeared emotionally unstable during their conversation but later provided a significant lead.

According to Van Rhyn, Laurentia’s boyfriend, Ayanda, had allegedly sold Joshlin to a local sangoma (traditional healer). This chilling revelation heightened concerns that Joshlin might have been trafficked.

Community Members Speak Out

Several other witnesses provided insights into the events leading up to Joshlin’s disappearance and the reaction of the Saldanha Bay community.

• Namhla Tinzi, a neighbor of Kelly Smith, testified about the community’s distress after hearing about Joshlin’s disappearance. She explained how residents gathered in search efforts and demanded answers from the accused individuals.
• Carlien Zeegers, Kelly’s former employer, described her as a good mother facing difficult circumstances. Zeegers expressed disbelief that Kelly could be involved in such a horrific crime, though she acknowledged that Kelly was struggling with personal issues.
• Natasha Andrews, a close family friend, revealed a shocking detail—she had once wanted to adopt Joshlin, but the process fell through due to legal complications.

What’s Next in the Trial?

As the trial continues, more testimonies are expected to shed light on the events surrounding Joshlin’s mysterious disappearance.

The court will likely hear from additional witnesses, including law enforcement officials, child protection experts, and community members who were directly involved in the search for Joshlin.

Meanwhile, authorities remain hopeful that Joshlin will be found alive, though concerns about human trafficking and possible foul play continue to mount.

The next few days of testimony could provide critical breakthroughs in understanding what truly happened to Joshlin Smith.