A witness in the Joshlin Smith trial testified that the missing girl was wanted for her eyes and skin. The trial continues in Saldanha
SALDANHA, South Africa — Laurentia Lombaard returned to the witness stand for the third consecutive day in the Western Cape High Court, continuing her testimony in the high-profile trial of missing child Joshlin Smith.
Technical difficulties briefly delayed the proceedings, but the team resolved the issues within minutes. Lombaard, who began her testimony last Thursday, has delivered shocking revelations, gripping both the courtroom and the broader community.
The trial centers on three defendants: Jacquen “Boeta” Appollis, Steveno van Rhyn, and Joshlin’s mother, Kelly Smith. Authorities charged them with kidnapping and human trafficking related to the disappearance of the 6-year-old girl from her home in Middelpos on Feb. 19, 2024. All three pleaded not guilty.
No one has seen Joshlin, a green-eyed child, since the day she vanished more than a year ago.
A haunting encounter
Lombaard recalled an altercation at her home between her boyfriend, Ayanda, and Boeta on the night Joshlin disappeared. She testified that Ayanda confronted Boeta and Kelly, questioning why they had brought the police to their house. She also stated that she had not seen Kelly or Boeta since that evening—until later that week.
According to Lombaard, she encountered Kelly the following Friday, walking near her house. When she called out, Kelly urged her to lower her voice, saying she knew people were looking for her.
Lombaard testified that Kelly, Boeta, and two unidentified individuals walked toward Kelly’s home. Once inside, Kelly searched for her son’s school clothes, bank card, and identification. At no point, Lombaard said, did Kelly mention Joshlin—only her two other children and the documents she needed to collect.
A chilling confession
Then, in a shocking moment, Kelly allegedly made a startling confession.
“Renz, I know what I did to Joshlin,” Lombaard quoted Kelly as saying. “There was someone that paid me to keep quiet.”
When pressed for details, Kelly refused to disclose the person’s identity. She only stated that the person who had been searching for Joshlin “wanted her eyes and skin.”
Lombaard further testified that Kelly spoke about a R1,000 payment she expected but never received. That day marked the last time Lombaard saw her.
When she initially gave a statement to police, Lombaard admitted she withheld critical information about the case out of fear. Now, she insists she is telling the full truth.
“I am not withholding anything,” she said.
The trial continues.
