KEY POINTS
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The Joshlin Smith trial nears its conclusion, with judgment expected on May 2.
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The defense counsel’s decision not to call witnesses left the public disappointed.
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The State will argue that the accused sold Joshlin for R20,000 and kidnapped her.
The highly publicized Joshlin Smith trial is nearing its conclusion, with judgment expected this week. The trial, which has drawn widespread attention, involves three individuals: Jacquen ‘Boeta’ Appollis, Steveno van Rhyn, and Kelly Smith.
They face charges of kidnapping and human trafficking after allegedly selling 6-year-old Joshlin Smith for R20,000. On Tuesday, the three suspects returned to court for the final phase of the trial.
The disappointing silence from the defense counsel
Last week, the State closed its case after eight weeks of testimony and the completion of a trial within a trial. The prosecution presented several key witnesses, including police personnel, medical doctors, and relatives of the accused.
Despite the evidence presented, the defense counsel shocked the court by choosing not to call any witnesses. Appollis, van Rhyn, and Smith also opted to remain silent, deciding not to take the stand in their defense.
This decision disappointed the public, especially Joshlin’s family, who had been hoping for testimony from Kelly Smith, the mother.
Closing arguments and judgment expected this week
With no defense case, both the State and defense will now submit their final arguments to Judge Nathan Erasmus. The State will argue that the three accused are guilty of selling Joshlin for R20,000 and kidnapping her.
On the other hand, the defense will challenge the State’s case, insisting that their clients are innocent. Judge Erasmus is expected to deliver the final judgment on the matter on Friday, May 2, 2025.
Joshlin Smith was reported missing on Monday, February 19, 2024, and has yet to be found.
