Community gathers in prayer as Joshlin Smith kidnapping trial enters 4th week

Community gathers in prayer as Joshlin Smith kidnapping trial enters 4th week! The Western Cape High Court saw a gathering of emotional community members on Monday, as they stood outside in prayer, hoping for a breakthrough in the kidnapping trial of Joshlin Smith.

The case has now entered its fourth week, following its commencement on 3 March, and tensions continue to run high as the search for answers remains ongoing.

Community United in Prayer

Joshlin disappeared from her Middelpos home on 19 February 2024, sparking a case that has gripped the nation.

Her mother, Racquel ‘Kelly’ Smith, her boyfriend, Jacquen ‘Boeta’ Appollis, and their co-accused, Steveno ‘Steffie’ van Rhyn, were arrested and charged with kidnapping and human trafficking.

The fourth accused, Lourentia Lombaard, had the charges against her dropped after she turned state witness.

Joshlin Smith kidnapping

As the trial unfolds, community members have come together in prayer, hoping that the truth about Joshlin’s disappearance will be revealed.

One of the community members, Taylor Floors, spoke about the emotional toll that the case has taken on residents.

“We are here to pray for a breakthrough in finding Joshlin and for Kelly and the other accused to speak the truth—the real truth—about what happened to the little girl.”

She added that the community is heartbroken and wants justice.

“We decided that on Monday morning we would have a prayer service. We believe that God will bring out the truth.”

Shocking Testimony from State Witness

Lombaard, the state witness, previously made shocking allegations while testifying before the court at the White City Multipurpose Centre in Diazville, Saldanha.

She claimed that she overheard Kelly’s plan to sell Joshlin, which has sent shockwaves through the community.

According to her testimony, Kelly allegedly told Boeta that she had sold Joshlin to a sangoma for R20,000.

Lombaard described what she allegedly saw on the day Joshlin vanished:

• She was outside Joshlin’s home when she overheard the conversation between Kelly and Boeta.

• A white VW Polo arrived, and Kelly left with Joshlin to meet a sangoma dressed in green.

• The following afternoon, Joshlin was seen approaching the car, and that was the last time she was seen.

Her statements have raised serious questions about the motive behind Joshlin’s disappearance and whether the accused will reveal more details in the coming weeks.

Cross-Examination of Key Witness

The defense team is now focused on challenging Lombaard’s testimony.

Appollis’s lawyer, Fanie Harmse, is currently cross-examining the witness, testing the credibility of her claims and questioning why she did not alert the authorities sooner.

One of the key points of contention is why Lombaard did not tell her boyfriend, Ayanda Litoli, about the alleged plan to sell Joshlin.

Harmse is expected to continue his cross-examination, with the hope of discrediting her testimony and casting doubt on the prosecution’s case.

Public Outrage and Calls for Justice

As the trial continues, public anger and frustration have been growing.

Many believe that those responsible for Joshlin’s disappearance must be held accountable, while others remain hopeful that the little girl might still be found.

The prayer gathering outside the courthouse reflects the deep sense of sorrow and urgency felt by the community.

Some residents believe that prayers and unity will help bring out the truth, while others demand swift justice and harsher punishments for those involved.

What Happens Next?

With the trial still ongoing, the next few weeks will be crucial in determining whether the accused will be convicted.

The court is expected to hear more testimony and review additional evidence, as the search for answers continues.

For now, the prayers and emotions of the community remain strong, as they await the moment when they can finally learn the truth about what happened to Joshlin Smith.