The high-profile trial surrounding the disappearance of six-year-old Joslin Smith continued today in the High Court, with two police officers testifying in Saldanha Bay. The case, which has gripped the nation, revolves around the child’s mysterious vanishing from her home in the Middelpos Informal Settlement last February. Despite extensive search efforts, Joslin remains missing.
The two police constables who initially responded to the matter of the missing child; Constable Yanga Gongotha and Constable Luzuko Kobese took the stand, facing cross-examination by defense attorneys for the accused. The child’s mother, Kelly Smith, along with her co-accused, Jacquin Appollis and Steveno van Rhyn are standing trial for alleged kidnapping and human trafficking – charges the trio has pleaded not guilty to.
One of the state witnesses, Constable Luzuko Kobese, testified via an interpreter and corroborated his colleague’s statements. Both officers recounted that Smith appeared unruffled despite her daughter’s disappearance. Instead of displaying distress, she seemed more concerned about the whereabouts of her boyfriend, Jacquin Appollis, who is also on trial.
“When we asked the tough questions about the child, we could see Kelly’s eyes were full of tears, appearing she was happy to see her lover. She never posed any questions, in connection with the child,” Kobese relayed.
The plea explanations for the accused is expected by Wednesday or Thursday. Community members and the public are waiting expectantly, to hear why the three suspects have pleaded not guilty to their charges. The prosecution has lined up about 90 witnesses to testify before the case concludes on 28 March 2025.
READ MORE: Joslin Smith’s mother and co-accused plead not guilty as trial commences
