Joshlin Smith trial: Court adjourns as key witness takes the stand! The highly anticipated testimony of Laurentia “Renz” Lombaard in the case of missing six-year-old Joshlin Smith was abruptly adjourned on Thursday afternoon at the Western Cape High Court, which is temporarily sitting at the White City Multipurpose Centre in Diazville.
Lombaard, who turned state witness, was previously arrested alongside Joshlin’s mother, Racquel ‘Kelly’ Smith, her boyfriend, Jacquen ‘Boeta’ Appollis, and their friend, Steveno ‘Steffie’ van Rhyn.
The judge halted proceedings minutes after her testimony began, allowing defense lawyers time to consult with their clients following their protest over the timing of her appearance.
Joshlin’s Disappearance: A Timeline
Joshlin Smith was reported missing from her home in Middelpos on February 19, 2024. Her mother, Kelly, initially claimed that Joshlin was unwell and could not attend school because her uniform was dirty. She alleged that she had left her daughter in Boeta’s care that day.
Lombaard’s Testimony: Drug Links and Ties to the Accused
Lombaard, originally from Wolseley, is a mother of four children—two live in Worcester, while the other two, aged two and three, live with their father, Ayanda Litoli, in the Eastern Cape. She admitted that after moving to Saldanha Bay, she became involved in drugs.
Detailing how she met the three accused, Lombaard said:
“I have known Boeta for a year, Kelly for more than a year, and I don’t really know Steveno well—I have only known him for seven or eight months. I got to know him when he was helping Ayanda at the carwash and would ask for money.”
She explained that Boeta was a drug dealer, working with her ex-partner, Ayanda Litoli.
“I also know Boeta because Ayanda was a drug dealer. Boeta would buy and help sell drugs. We would smoke together.”
She stated that she met Kelly in a similar manner, describing their friendship as one centered around drug use.
“I became friends with Kelly and Boeta. If I didn’t have money for tik, I would borrow from Kelly, and she would give me. We smoked together regularly.”
She also confirmed that Kelly and Boeta were in a romantic relationship.
The Day Before Joshlin Went Missing
When state prosecutor Advocate Zelda Swanepoel asked about the events of February 18—the day before Joshlin disappeared—Lombaard recounted how she had visited Kelly’s house after preparing food for her children and Ayanda.
“I walked around the rocks near Kelly’s place, and on the other side of the canal, I saw a detective bakkie parked.”
Before she could continue her testimony, Judge Nathan Erasmus adjourned the proceedings, giving the defense time to consult with their clients.
Other Witness Testimonies Raise Suspicion
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) confirmed that five witnesses had testified so far, including Steven Coetzee, TikToker Shakeerah “Shakes Warrior” Ganief, and Thersia Kruger.
Steven Coetzee’s Testimony
Coetzee testified that he had met Kelly months before Joshlin’s disappearance. According to him, Kelly made an ominous statement:
“She told me that something drastic was going to happen in the area, that there would be lots of cars, and it would look like a movie scene.”
Coetzee later realized that Joshlin was the child who had gone missing. He shared this information with his employer, Thersia Kruger, who relayed it to the investigating officer.
TikToker “Shakes Warrior” Exposes Kelly’s Behavior
Shakeerah Ganief, known on TikTok as “Shakes Warrior,” testified about Kelly’s peculiar behavior during her investigation of the case.
“Kelly did not behave like someone who had lost a child. In two instances, she told me, in front of other people, that she never thought she would be famous—that she had always wanted fame, but she never expected that her daughter Joshlin would be the one to make her famous.”
Despite cross-examination, both Coetzee and Ganief stood by their testimonies before being excused from the stand.
The Crucial Testimony of Lombaard: Section 204 Witness
Lombaard is a Section 204 witness, meaning she could receive immunity from prosecution—but only if the court determines that she has testified truthfully.
Before she took the stand, Judge Erasmus formally warned her of the implications of her testimony.
“The court will decide whether to grant her immunity based on the truthfulness of her statements,” explained NPA spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila.
Trial Postponed: What Happens Next?
Lombaard’s testimony will continue on Friday morning, following the adjournment.
“The defense objected to her being called to the stand on Thursday, arguing that they were not informed in time,” Ntabazalila confirmed.
As the trial progresses, Lombaard’s revelations and the cross-examinations of witnesses will likely play a crucial role in determining the fate of the accused.
For now, the search for answers about Joshlin Smith’s disappearance continues.
