The Joshlin Smith trial took a dramatic turn on Tuesday as the statement made by Joshlin’s mother, Kelly Smith, to police was revealed in court, shedding light on crucial moments following her daughter’s disappearance.
Kelly Smith, along with Jacquen ‘Boeta’ Appollis and Steveno van Rhyn, is facing charges of human trafficking and kidnapping in connection with the disappearance of her daughter, Joshlin. The trio appeared before Judge Nathan Erasmus in a tense court session, as the State called its second witness, Constable Luzuko Kobese.
Joshlin vanished on the afternoon of Monday, February 19, and was last seen around 5pm. Constable Kobese, one of the first officers at the scene, took the stand to share his account of the case. He was involved in both the search for Joshlin and the questioning of Kelly Smith, which led to the pivotal statement being introduced as evidence.
A Troubling Statement
In her statement, Kelly described the moments when she returned home from work to find that her daughter was missing. She recounted: “At about 1.50pm, I returned home from work. My boyfriend, Jacquen, was not at the home, and I only found two children. I asked them where Joshlin was, and they said they didn’t know.” Kelly went on to explain how she and her boyfriend searched for Joshlin, while police advised her to file a missing persons inquiry.
Despite the confusion and worry, Kelly remained calm during the police questioning, according to Constable Kobese. He noted that although she appeared cooperative, Kelly became hesitant when asked about her daughter’s whereabouts and when bystanders began asking about Joshlin’s condition.
Boeta’s Lack of Cooperation
During the investigation, the police found that Jacquen ‘Boeta’ Appollis, Kelly’s boyfriend, was not forthcoming with answers. Constable Kobese testified that Boeta seemed to be under pressure and refused to cooperate with police, making the investigation more difficult.
The officer’s testimony painted a picture of an increasingly tense situation, with bystanders adding to the pressure on Kelly. When asked about Boeta’s behavior, Kobese said he appeared evasive and uncooperative throughout the questioning. The court also learned that, after the statement was completed, Kelly was taken to a relative’s house, away from the angry crowd outside her home.
Questions About Joshlin’s Fate
The most chilling moment came when Kelly was asked by Constable Kobese if she thought Joshlin was still alive. Kelly hesitated before responding, a detail that added more mystery to the case. Her mixed emotions and the pressure of the crowd raised suspicions, leaving many wondering what really happened to Joshlin after her disappearance.
As the trial progresses, more questions are sure to arise, but the testimony of Constable Kobese has undoubtedly set the stage for what could become a highly charged legal battle. With Kelly, Boeta, and Steveno van Rhyn facing serious charges, the courtroom will continue to scrutinize the disturbing circumstances surrounding Joshlin Smith’s disappearance.
