Joshlin Smith Trial: State Witness Alleges Mother Sold Her for R20,000
Shocking Testimony in Court
The ongoing trial of missing six-year-old Joshlin Smith has taken a disturbing turn, as a key State witness, Lourentia Lombaard, testified that the child’s mother, Racquel “Kelly” Smith, sold her to a sangoma for R20,000. Lombaard, who was previously accused in the case but has now turned State witness, made this shocking revelation during proceedings at the Western Cape High Court, currently sitting at the Saldanha Bay multi-purpose center.
Smith, along with Jacquen Appollis and Stevano van Rhyn, faces charges of kidnapping and human trafficking in connection with Joshlin’s disappearance.
Witness Claims She Saw Joshlin Being Handed Over
During her testimony, Lombaard claimed that she saw Kelly Smith take Joshlin to meet an unknown woman the day before she vanished.
“I saw Kelly take Joshlin to meet a woman I didn’t recognize. The next thing, Joshlin was gone,” Lombaard stated.
She also recalled overhearing a conversation between Smith and Appollis earlier that day, which raised her suspicions.
“Kelly told Jacquen that someone wanted to buy Joshlin. That’s when I realized something was terribly wrong,” she told the court.
Mysterious Exchange With a Sangoma
According to Lombaard, later that same day, Smith received a small parcel from a woman dressed as a sangoma.
“It was a small parcel. I don’t know what was inside, but Kelly took it without hesitation,” she testified.
A Chilling Confession
Lombaard further alleged that after Joshlin disappeared, Smith admitted to selling her daughter.
“She confessed to me that she had sold Joshlin to a sangoma. She said it was for R20,000,” Lombaard revealed in court.
The witness also claimed that Smith attempted to bribe her into silence.
“She offered me R1,000 to keep quiet. I agreed, but I never received the money,” she said.
A Case That Shook the Nation
Joshlin Smith’s disappearance has sparked nationwide concern, with extensive search efforts led by authorities and volunteers. However, the child remains missing.
The case has also intensified fears regarding child trafficking and ritual killings, with allegations that Joshlin may have been sold for muthi purposes.
The courtroom was filled with tension as Lombaard provided her testimony. While the defense is expected to challenge her claims, the prosecution is relying heavily on her account to build its case against Smith, Appollis, and van Rhyn.
The Ongoing Legal Battle
As the trial progresses, legal experts suggest that the prosecution will need substantial evidence to secure convictions. Lombaard’s credibility as a witness may come under scrutiny, given her previous involvement as an accused in the case.
The trial is set to continue, with more witnesses expected to take the stand in the coming days.
For now, the most pressing question remains unanswered: Where is Joshlin Smith?
