KEY POINTS
- Captain Lombaard provides crucial details on Joshlin Smith’s case.
- Racquel Smith and Jacquen Appollis interviewed by police.
- Boeta struggles to explain his involvement in Joshlin’s disappearance.
Captain Wesley Lombaard, a member of the Western Cape Organised Crime Unit’s Anti-Kidnapping Investigation Team, gave pivotal testimony in Joshlin Smith trial.
The trial involves Racquel ‘Kelly’ Smith, her boyfriend Jacquen ‘Boeta’ Appollis, and their friends Steveno ‘Steffie’ van Rhyn and Lourentia Lombaard, who are accused of being involved in the disappearance of Joshlin Smith.
Lombaard took the stand on Tuesday afternoon. He described how he became aware of Joshlin Smith’s disappearance on February 20, 2024, the day after she vanished from her home in Middelpos.
The police investigation soon led to the arrests of the four suspects in March 2024. Lombaard ultimately became a state witness.
“I was informed by a colleague that the case was being handled by the Family Violence, Child Protection, and Sexual Offences Unit in Vredenburg,” Lombaard said during his testimony.
He then made inquiries, leading him to contact Sergeant Meyer Milstein, the investigating officer handling the case.
Lombaard recalls interviewing the suspects during police investigation
In the days following the girl’s disappearance, Lombaard began questioning the main suspects. He interviewed Racquel Smith and Jacquen Appollis separately, a process that Lombaard described as tense.
He recalled Kelly as being “restless,” pacing and muttering to Boeta during their interview. Despite her earlier behavior, Lombaard reassured her that there would be no outbursts or shouting.
“I had been informed that she was very rude and swore at the police, so I told her, ‘Today, no one is going to swear or shout,'” Lombaard said.
During the interview with Boeta, Lombaard asked about the events leading up to the disappearance of Joshlin. Initially, Boeta’s responses were vague.
According to IOL, he mentioned a visit from the police after an allegation of chicken theft, but avoided elaborating on a heated argument with Kelly the previous night.
Despite pressing him further, Lombaard noted that Boeta became uncomfortable when asked about his relationship with Joshlin, struggling to provide a coherent answer.
“I pointed out that since he lived with Kelly and the children, he must have been a father figure to them,” Lombaard added.
Police probe reveals key details surrounding Joshlin’s disappearance
Lombaard’s testimony offers a deeper insight into the investigation, revealing some critical details about the events surrounding Joshlin’s disappearance.
The police are working to piece together a clearer narrative, with the ongoing trial expected to uncover more information.
The investigation continues, with authorities looking for further evidence to support the accusations against Kelly, Boeta, and their associates.
The case remains a high-profile one in the region, with many following the legal proceedings closely.
