Accused in Joshlin Smith trial denies involvement in alleged sale of child
One of the accused in the Joshlin Smith trial has denied claims that the child’s mother, Kelly Smith, offered him money to remain silent about an alleged plan to sell Joshlin to a sangoma. The case, which has gripped the nation, continues to unfold in court, with new testimonies and cross-examinations shedding light on the events leading up to the child’s disappearance.
Defence Challenges Testimony of State Witness
During Tuesday’s court proceedings, defence attorneys cross-examined the State’s main witness, Lourentia Lombaard, who has implicated Kelly Smith and her co-accused in Joshlin’s disappearance.
Lombaard previously testified that Joshlin was taken to meet a sangoma in a white vehicle and that Smith later returned with a package of money. She further claimed that Smith had offered both herself and Stevano van Rhyn money to keep quiet about her alleged plan to sell Joshlin.
However, the defence strongly disputed these claims. Nobahle Mkabayi, the attorney representing accused number two, Stevano van Rhyn, told the court that her client had no knowledge of Smith’s supposed plan to sell her child.
Joshlin Smith trial
Denial of Bribery Allegations
Mkabayi directly challenged Lombaard’s credibility, arguing that Van Rhyn was not present when Smith allegedly offered the hush money. The defence lawyer further emphasized that her client never took part in any discussions about selling the child.
“My client was not there when Kelly Smith allegedly made this offer. He had no knowledge of any plan to sell Joshlin to a sangoma,” Mkabayi stated.
The attorney then questioned Lombaard’s motives for implicating Van Rhyn in the case, suggesting that she fabricated his involvement as revenge. According to Mkabayi, Van Rhyn had previously informed police that he suspected Lombaard and her boyfriend were involved in Joshlin’s disappearance.
Lombaard, however, stood firm on her testimony, denying any ulterior motive for implicating Van Rhyn. She insisted that she was simply telling the truth about what she had seen and experienced.
Timeline of Events Leading to Joshlin’s Disappearance
The disappearance of six-year-old Joshlin Smith sent shockwaves across the country. The child was last seen in Saldanha Bay, Western Cape, before vanishing without a trace.
Lombaard’s testimony has been a key piece of evidence in the case, alleging that:
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Kelly Smith took Joshlin to meet a sangoma in a white vehicle.
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Smith later returned with a package of money.
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Smith allegedly offered to pay Lombaard and Van Rhyn to remain silent.
However, the defence continues to challenge these allegations, maintaining that there is no concrete evidence linking Van Rhyn to Joshlin’s disappearance.
Public Interest and Case Developments
The Joshlin Smith case has attracted significant public attention, with many closely following court proceedings and seeking justice for the missing child.
As the trial continues, several key questions remain unanswered:
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What happened to Joshlin Smith after she was last seen?
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Is there any physical evidence to support the allegations against the accused?
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Will additional witnesses come forward to corroborate Lombaard’s claims?
Authorities remain under pressure to uncover the full truth behind Joshlin’s disappearance. While the prosecution is relying heavily on Lombaard’s testimony, the defence is working to discredit her account and prove that their clients had no involvement in the alleged scheme.
What Happens Next?
The trial is expected to continue with further cross-examinations, as the court evaluates the credibility of witness statements and any additional evidence that may emerge.
As of now, all accused individuals remain innocent until proven guilty, and the case is still unfolding. More details are likely to come to light as proceedings progress.
The next court date is yet to be confirmed, but legal experts predict that this will be a long and complex trial, with potential new revelations as the investigation continues.
For now, the search for the truth—and for Joshlin—remains ongoing.
