The second week of the trial into the mysterious disappearance of six-year-old Joshlin Smith is set to bring new revelations, as a fresh witness prepares to testify. Joshlin, from Saldanha Bay, went missing on February 19, 2024, sparking a search that has since drawn national attention.
At the center of the trial are Joshlin’s mother, Racquel “Kelly” Smith, her boyfriend, and their friend Steveno van Rhyn, who were arrested weeks after Joshlin’s disappearance. The trio faces serious charges of human trafficking and kidnapping, but all have pleaded not guilty.
A significant twist in the case has come from Laurentia Lombaard, a fourth person initially charged with the trio, who has since turned state witness and is expected to testify during the month-long trial. This week, Constable Refilwe Sekhobe, who took a critical witness statement, is expected to take the stand, followed by civilian witnesses who may shed further light on the events surrounding Joshlin’s disappearance.
Despite early interest in the trial, attendance has dwindled as it progresses. On March 3, however, dozens of local residents gathered at the White City Multipurpose Centre, where the Western Cape High Court is sitting, showing their continued concern for the case.
The trial began with testimony from Constable Yanga Gongotha, who described his first interaction with Kelly Smith after Joshlin went missing. He recalled that Kelly appeared more concerned about her boyfriend than her missing daughter, a detail that raised suspicion. Appollis, another key figure, admitted to being around the children but denied any involvement in Joshlin’s disappearance, claiming police torture during interrogation.
The testimony from Kelly Smith herself has been inconsistent, particularly when it comes to her drug use and her efforts to search for Joshlin. Her lawyer clarified that she had been prescribed antidepressants, though police claim she regularly used methamphetamine. Sergeant Meyer Milstein from the Family Violence, Child Protection, and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit also testified that the suspects gave contradictory statements and that there was insufficient evidence to detain them initially.
Milstein’s investigation uncovered troubling blood stains inside Smith’s home, along with a child-sized pink flip-flop matching Joshlin’s description. These discoveries have raised serious concerns and intensified the search for answers.
The trial also saw an emotional confrontation on Thursday morning, during a court-ordered inspection in loco in Middelpos. Tensions erupted when angry residents confronted Kelly Smith, demanding to know the whereabouts of her missing daughter. Smith broke down in tears as the crowd shouted, “Where is Joshlin?” before she was escorted into a police van.
As the investigation continues and more witnesses prepare to testify, the search for Joshlin’s truth remains at the forefront, with the local community and the nation anxiously awaiting justice.
