The main trial concerning the disappearance of Joshlin Smith is resuming this week in the Western Cape High Court, currently sitting in Saldanha. Joshlin, a six-year-old girl from Diazville, was reported missing on February 19, 2024, and has not been seen since.
The case is being heard at the White City Multipurpose Centre and enters its eighth week following the conclusion of a trial-within-a-trial. This earlier phase focused on allegations made by two of the accused, Jacquen “Boeta” Appollis and Steveno “Steffie” van Rhyn, who claimed they were assaulted and tortured by police during interrogation. These claims did not involve Joshlin’s mother, Racquel “Kelly” Smith, who is also on trial.
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Video recordings of the confessions made by Appollis and van Rhyn were presented in court, alongside testimony from police officers and medical professionals. The two men testified in their own defense, maintaining they were mistreated, but their claims were undermined during cross-examination as inconsistencies in their accounts were exposed.
On April 17, the presiding judge ruled that their statements were lawfully obtained and could be admitted as evidence. These confessions have since been submitted as exhibits.
As the main trial resumes, attention turns once again to uncovering the truth behind Joshlin’s disappearance. The lead investigator, Captain Wesley Lombard, is expected to take the stand again to outline the steps taken to locate Joshlin. It is alleged that the young girl was sold for R20,000.
Joshlin, a Grade 1 student, had striking green eyes and was six years old when she vanished. Despite intense investigations, there have been no confirmed sightings or solid leads about her whereabouts. As the trial progresses, the public remains hopeful that Joshlin will be found and brought home safely.