Cape Town – Final arguments in the trial of the four people accused in connection with the disappearance of six-year-old Joshlin Smith will continue on Wednesday in the Western Cape High Court.
Joshlin vanished from her home in the Middelpos informal settlement in Saldanha Bay on 19 February 2024. Her mother, Racquel “Kelly” Smith, Jacquen “Boeta” Appollis, and Steveno van Rhyn face charges of human trafficking and kidnapping. All four have pleaded not guilty.
On Tuesday, the State maintained that Joshlin was sold to a sangoma for R20,000, citing corroborating testimony from key witnesses.
Prosecutor Advocate Zelda Swanepoel argued that evangelist Nico Steven Coetzee’s account supports that of state witness Lourentia “Rens” Lombard.
Coetzee testified that Smith had discussed a possible payment of R5,000 if R20,000 could not be secured and predicted something dramatic would happen in the area in early 2024.
Lombard, meanwhile, recalled Smith allegedly confirming to Appollis that she had received R20,000 from the sangoma.
Swanepoel noted that both Appollis and van Rhyn had referenced the R20,000 amount and that van Rhyn was the first to suggest Joshlin was sold for muthi purposes.
Defence attorneys challenged the credibility of the evidence. Advocate Fanie Harmse, representing Appollis, insisted that his client’s confession was extracted under duress, alleging physical assault by police. He also criticised inconsistencies in Lombard’s testimony and accused the State of relying on two conflicting versions of events.
Harmse concluded his closing arguments on Tuesday. On Wednesday, Advocate Nobahla Mkabayi is expected to present arguments for van Rhyn’s acquittal, followed by Advocate Rinesh Sivnarain for Kelly Smith.
Judge Nathan Erasmus is expected to deliver judgment on Friday.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
