The defence counsel in the trial of missing Joshlin Smith will cross-examine the lead detective.
Captain Wesley Lombard, an organised crime unit member dealing with kidnappings, gave his evidence in chief at the Western Cape High Court in Saldanha Bay, from Wednesday afternoon.
The following day, his testimony was paused as there would be a trial within a trial after the accused claimed their confession was coerced, and that they were assaulted.
This was heard at the White City Multipurpose Centre where the court is sitting to make it easier for Joshlin’s family and the Diazville community members to attend.
The six-year-old girl went missing on February 19, 2024.
Her mother, Racquel ‘Kelly’ Smith, claimed she was at work when she disappeared.
She had left Joshlin with her boyfriend Jacquen ‘Boeta’ Appollis, who admitted to smoking tik with friends Steveno ‘Steffie’ van Rhyn and Lourentia ‘Renz’ Lombaard on that day.
After several interviews, Kelly and the other three people were arrested and charged with kidnapping and human trafficking.
Charges were dropped against Lombaard as she turned state witness.
On Thursday, the detective said he met the couple on 25 February 2024, when Kelly told him that Joshlin was no longer in Saldanha Bay.
Lombard also said when he asked the mom to write a statement, but she indicated she had to go with Boeta to the Spur restaurant.
On March 4, the police interviewed Boeta, Kelly and van Rhyn.
“Boeta and Steveno said to the police that they should ask Kelly what happened to Joshlin.
“They also implicated a woman; we went to get her and her family and interrogated her.”
Lombard stated that they arrested all four, and at the time, Lombaard had not been arrested.
On Friday morning, the trial will continue, and the defence will cross-examine the detective’s evidence.