The cousin of Lourentia Lombaard, the woman whose charges were dropped in connection with the disappearance of Joshlin Smith, has emphasized that the hope of finding Joshlin remains a priority for everyone involved. Lombaard, who was arrested in March 2024 in Saldanha Bay, spent several months in custody before the State withdrew the charges against her in October after she agreed to become a State witness.
Lombaard’s testimony revealed shocking details about the case. She claimed that Joshlin’s mother, Raquel ‘Kelly’ Smith, had been planning to sell her children as far back as 2023. Kelly, along with her boyfriend Jacquen ‘Boeta’ Appolis and Stevano van Rhyn, are facing charges related to kidnapping and trafficking in persons for exploitation. In August 2023, Kelly allegedly told others of her intention to have her children taken away or sold in early 2024. Joshlin, who was last seen on February 19, 2024, was reportedly part of this tragic plan.
Lombaard’s cousin, speaking out in Saldanha Bay, expressed her belief that justice for Joshlin should be the top priority, and while she initially didn’t want to be involved after Lombaard was implicated, her concern for Joshlin’s fate led her to visit Lombaard during her time in the Worcester Correctional Facility. She shared how Lombaard had opened up during the visit, revealing details that seemed too incredible to be true at first. According to Lombaard, she had seen Joshlin at home the day Kelly returned from work, and Kelly had received a large sum of money, including R20,000. The cousin was skeptical at first, but later found that the details Lombaard shared matched media reports, further confirming her statements.
The cousin also recalled urging Lombaard to tell the truth, no matter the consequences. Lombaard, who is now in a safe space, expressed deep regret over the situation, especially missing her own children, and confessed that while she didn’t know the identity of the woman who took Joshlin, she was certain Kelly had sold her to a woman in a white car. The cousin stressed that no matter what, the truth would eventually come out, and if Lombaard was involved in any way, she would have to face the consequences.
Although Lombaard’s actions have led to estrangement from some relatives, including family members in Wolsely, the cousin remains supportive. She understands the difficulty of the situation, particularly the ongoing public attention. She reminded Lombaard that regardless of the legal outcome, she would always be associated with the case. The cousin believes Lombaard’s realization to become a State witness came from “a mother’s love.” Lombaard, on the day she turned State witness, was particularly affected by the fact that she had missed her daughter’s birthday while in prison. The experience, the cousin said, opened her eyes to the importance of revealing the truth, particularly for the sake of her children.
Above all, the cousin’s deepest wish is for Joshlin to be reunited with her loved ones. She has expressed relief that the trial will take place in Saldanha Bay, where local support for Joshlin will be visible. This, she believes, will show the court how serious the community is about seeking justice for the young girl. The cousin is determined to continue supporting the case, with the hope that Joshlin’s story will lead to a resolution and a long-awaited reunion.
