The trial of missing Joshlin Smith was abruptly halted as her mother Racquel ‘Kelly’ fell ill.
While the investigating officer Captain Wesley Lombard was on the stand at the Western Cape High Court sitting in the White City Multipurpose Centre in Diazville, Saldanha Bay, the accused told a court orderly to pass a message to her lawyer.
On Thursday around 10am, attorney Rinesh Sivnarain stood up and told presiding officer Judge Nathan Erasmus that: “Accused number 3 is not feeling well, she said she feels she is about to throw up.”
The court was adjourned for a few minutes before the judge returned to inform the court about further adjournment.
“We will resume at 12pm,” Erasmus said.
Kelly is on trial with co-accused and boyfriend Jacquen ‘Boeta’ Appollis, their friend Steveno ‘Steffie’ van Rhyn. They are facing kidnapping and human trafficking charges which they have all pleaded guilty to.
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Their friend Lourentia Lombaard turned State witness. She was on the stand for nine days.
They were arrested after Joshlin went missing from her home in Middelpos on February 19, 2024.
Lombard highlighted inconsistencies in the statements given by Kelly, Boeta, and Joshlin’s brother about the day she went missing.
“Kelly stated that she left for work at 9am, leaving Joshlin and her brother with Boeta.
“When she returned home at about 1.50pm, Boeta was not there, and only two children were present.
“When she asked about Joshlin’s whereabouts, they said they didn’t know. She and Boeta later searched for Joshlin with the police.”
He further stated, Boeta, on the other hand, said he had bathed the children and done laundry.
“He mentioned that Kelly came home briefly at about 11am but left again after 20 minutes. After she was gone, Joshlin got dressed in a light blue shirt, light blue jean shorts, and pink flip-flops.“
Later at 2pm, he saw Joshlin walk away after she got upset with him, and that was the last time he saw her. He also mentioned that Lourentia was still at the house.
“Joshlin’s brother recalled that their mother came home for lunch, ate, and then left again.
“After she was gone, Boeta made food for him and Joshlin. He later went to Brother Louw’s house at about 2pm, and when he returned at 6pm, Kelly asked if he knew where Joshlin was.”
Lombard told the court there were contradictions in their statements.
“Kelly said only two children were at home when she arrived, but Boeta claimed he was there.
“She said she realised Joshlin was missing when she got home, while Boeta claimed she had walked off later in the afternoon.
“Kelly said Boeta wasn’t home when she arrived, but his statement suggested otherwise.”
The trial continues.
