Accusations Fly In Joshlin Smith Kidnapping Case

In a gripping courtroom drama unfolding in Saldanha Bay, the case surrounding the disappearance of six-year-old Joshlin Smith has taken a dramatic turn as accusations and counter-accusations fly among the key players involved. Racquel "Kelly" Smith, one of the accused in the kidnapping and human trafficking case, has publicly accused the state’s key witness, Lourentia Lombaard, of lying to save her own skin. This allegation comes as Lombaard has turned state witness after initially being arrested alongside Smith and two others.

As the trial enters its 18th day on March 27, 2025, the courtroom has been filled with tension, particularly during Lombaard's six-day cross-examination. Kelly Smith's lawyer, Rinesh Sivnarain, has been relentless in challenging Lombaard's credibility, pointing out numerous inconsistencies in her statements to police and in court.

According to reports, Lombaard had initially been arrested as a suspect in the case but has since agreed to testify against Smith and her co-accused, Jacquen "Boeta" Apollis and Steveno van Rhyn, under section 204 of the Criminal Procedure Act. This legal provision allows for witnesses to testify in exchange for immunity from prosecution. Lombaard's testimony has been pivotal for the prosecution, claiming that Smith and her associates sold Joshlin to a sangoma for R20,000.

During the ongoing trial, Judge Nathan Erasmus is overseeing the proceedings, which have included discussions about the admissibility of certain statements and evidence. The court is gearing up for what has been termed a "trial within a trial," where the validity of evidence obtained outside the main case will be scrutinized.

Captain Wesley Lombard, the investigating officer in the case, has also taken the stand, expressing his shock at Kelly Smith's behavior during the search for her missing daughter. He recounted how, during the investigation, Smith displayed a lack of emotion, stating, "How can a mother forget about a child in a few days? How can a mother speak like that?" Lombard's observations are expected to play a crucial role in the prosecution's narrative.

On March 26, 2025, Kelly Smith’s legal team declared that she would deny all allegations made by Lombaard, further intensifying the courtroom drama. Smith's defense argues that Lombaard was the last person seen with Joshlin and questions her motives for testifying against Smith. Sivnarain pointed out that Lombaard had come to Smith's house on the night of the disappearance but did not find Smith there; instead, it was Ayanda Letoni, Lombaard's boyfriend, who was present with the children.

Smith's defense has painted a picture of Lombaard as a manipulative figure, suggesting that her testimony may be a desperate attempt to deflect blame. The defense's strategy hinges on discrediting Lombaard, portraying her as the true mastermind behind the events leading to Joshlin's disappearance.

As the trial progresses, the focus remains on the inconsistencies in the testimonies of the accused and the reliability of Lombaard's statements. The defense has highlighted Lombaard's admission to drug use during the critical days surrounding Joshlin's disappearance, which they argue undermines her credibility. Lombaard confessed to smoking tik and taking mandrax, leading to questions about her ability to recall events accurately during that tumultuous time.

In an explosive moment during the cross-examination, Lombaard revealed that she had withheld information from police in March 2024 because she hoped to receive a share of the money allegedly paid for Joshlin. This admission raises significant questions about her motives and the truthfulness of her testimony.

As the courtroom drama continues, the public is keenly following the proceedings, eager for any new revelations that may emerge. The trial has drawn considerable media attention, with live coverage capturing the intense exchanges between the defense and the prosecution.

On Day 18, Captain Lombard is expected to continue his testimony, further elaborating on the inconsistencies he observed during his investigations. The state has also indicated that it will present additional evidence to support its request for two trials within a trial, which were granted on the previous day.

The outcome of this high-profile case remains uncertain, with both sides preparing for a lengthy legal battle. As the evidence unfolds, the courtroom will continue to serve as a stage for a complex interplay of accusations, emotions, and the search for justice for Joshlin Smith.