Saldanha Bay – The trial surrounding the disappearance of six-year-old Joshlin Smith took an unexpected turn today as her mother, Racquel ‘Kelly’ Smith, fell ill, leading to an abrupt halt in proceedings. The incident occurred while investigating officer Captain Wesley Lombard was giving testimony at the Western Cape High Court, which is currently sitting in the White City Multipurpose Centre in Diazville, Saldanha Bay.
The drama unfolded at approximately 10am when Kelly, one of the accused in the case, reportedly alerted a court orderly that she was feeling unwell and believed she was about to vomit. Her attorney, Rinesh Sivnarain, promptly informed presiding officer Judge Nathan Erasmus of the situation.
Judge Erasmus initially adjourned the court for a brief period, announcing a resumption time of 12pm. However, the disruption served to further heighten the already tense atmosphere surrounding the trial.
Kelly Smith, along with her boyfriend Jacquen ‘Boeta’ Appollis, and their friend Steveno ‘Steffie’ van Rhyn, are facing serious charges of kidnapping and human trafficking in connection with Joshlin’s disappearance. All three have pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The case has gripped the nation since Joshlin went missing from her home in Middelpos on February 19, 2024. The investigation has been complex and fraught with inconsistencies, as highlighted by Captain Lombard during his testimony.
Lombard, a detective from the provincial Organised Crime Unit who took over the case a week after Joshlin's disappearance, has been meticulously presenting evidence to the court, including details of interviews conducted with the accused.
One key aspect of Lombard's testimony has focused on the inconsistencies in the statements provided by Kelly, Boeta, and Joshlin’s brother regarding the events of the day she went missing.
Lombard told the court that Kelly stated she left for work at 9am, leaving Joshlin and her brother in Boeta's care. Upon returning home around 1.50pm, she found Boeta absent and only two children present. When she inquired about Joshlin's whereabouts, the children claimed they did not know. Kelly stated that she and Boeta later searched for Joshlin with the police.
However, Boeta's account of the day differed significantly. He claimed to have bathed the children and done laundry. He also mentioned that Kelly briefly returned home around 11am but left again after approximately 20 minutes. According to Boeta, after Kelly's departure, Joshlin got dressed in a light blue shirt, light blue jean shorts, and pink flip-flops. He further stated that he saw Joshlin walk away at 2pm after she became upset with him, marking the last time he saw her. Boeta also claimed that Lourentia Lombaard was still at the house during this time.
Adding another layer of complexity, Joshlin's brother recalled a different sequence of events. He stated that their mother came home for lunch, ate, and then left again. After her departure, Boeta made food for him and Joshlin. He then went to Brother Louw’s house at approximately 2pm, and upon returning at 6pm, Kelly asked if he knew where Joshlin was.
Lombard emphasised the contradictions inherent in these statements, telling the court: "Kelly said only two children were at home when she arrived, but Boeta claimed he was there. She said she realised Joshlin was missing when she got home, while Boeta claimed she had walked off later in the afternoon. Kelly said Boeta wasn’t home when she arrived, but his statement suggested otherwise."
Adding to the intrigue, Lombard revealed that Kelly showed no emotion during an interview and stated: "Joshlin is out of Saldanha Bay. What is there to ask? I must go on with my life; I have two other children."
Lourentia Lombaard, initially arrested alongside Kelly, Boeta, and Steveno van Rhyn, has since turned State witness, with charges against her dropped. She was on the stand for nine days, providing her account of the events surrounding Joshlin's disappearance.
Meanwhile, Joshlin’s father, José Emke, expressed his hope for a positive outcome, stating: “Yes, I am waiting for a positive outcome so that I can find my child.”
He also revealed that he and Kelly are no longer together and do not communicate. "I would just fetch and take my children back home, that is all," he said.
Emke further stated that he was shocked by the events, saying that the accused "planned this" the minute he turned his back and went to the Northern Cape. "I just feel that the truth must come out. I will get it from the court," he said, becoming emotional after hearing Lombard’s testimony.
The trial continues, with many questions still unanswered and the fate of Joshlin Smith remaining unknown. The mysterious illness of Kelly Smith has only added another layer of intrigue to this already complex and heart-wrenching case.
