As the trial into the disappearance of six-year-old Joshlin Smith enters Day 18, proceedings are expected to continue with further testimony from Captain Wesley Lombard, the investigating officer in the case.
What to expect from the Joshlin Smith trial on Day 18
Captain Lombard is anticipated to expand on his early interviews with key accused individuals, particularly focusing on inconsistencies in their statements and observations made during the initial stages of the investigation.
The State may also continue presenting evidence to support its request for two trials within a trial, which were granted on Day 17. These mini-hearings will determine whether specific statements, including a video-recorded confession and an affidavit submitted by a member of the public attending court, are admissible.
The judge clarified that these proceedings are isolated from the main case to avoid any potential contamination of evidence.
As Day 18 unfolds, attention will remain on the contradictions identified in earlier statements by the accused and the reliability of the witness testimony already submitted. Whether any new revelations surface from Captain Lombard or additional witnesses is a key point of public interest.
Readers can follow the live trial coverage today as the courtroom battle intensifies.
Recap of Day 17: Key testimonies and new revelations
Day 17 saw further cross-examination of Section 204 witness Lourentia Lombaard, who has been central to the State’s case. Kelly Smith’s defence lawyer challenged Lombaard’s recollection of events from Sunday, 18 February and Monday, 19 February 2024, honing in on her drug use and the credibility of her timeline.
Under questioning, Lombaard admitted to smoking tik twice on Sunday and mandrax with co-accused Jacquen Appollis (Boeta) on Monday. The defence claimed these admissions undermined the accuracy of her recollections, especially regarding whether she was present when money was allegedly discussed in connection with Joshlin’s disappearance.
One of the most striking moments was when Lombaard revealed she withheld information from police in March 2024 because she still hoped to receive her share of the R20,000 allegedly paid for Joshlin. She said she only told the full truth in a later confession in October.
Later in the day, Captain Wesley Lombard was called to the stand. He described how he became involved in the case and outlined what he observed during early interactions with Kelly Smith and Jacquen Appollis. Lombard said both accused gave differing accounts of what happened on the day Joshlin disappeared.
Significantly, Lombard testified that during her police interview, Kelly repeatedly stated that Joshlin was “no longer in Saldanha Bay” and showed no interest in following up on the investigation. These claims triggered audible reactions in the courtroom and will likely be central to the State’s argument about Kelly’s knowledge of her daughter’s fate.
Proceedings will resume with Captain Lombard’s continued testimony and possibly further clarification on the newly submitted affidavit from the gallery.