Key Points
- Laurentia Lombaard expressed deep remorse and revealed shocking details about Kelly’s actions.
- Kelly Smith’s sister, Mickeyla Daniels, provided critical testimony about Joshlin’s disappearance.
- Witness Paulina Tshosa testified about an argument and Joshlin’s behavior before her disappearance.
The trial into the disappearance of Joshlin Smith has entered its third week at the Western Cape High Court in Saldanha, Western Cape.
Former accused Laurentia Lombaard, who turned state witness, has been on the stand since Thursday, providing emotional testimony.
Laurentia Lombaard’s emotional testimony
Lombaard, who initially withheld information from the police, concluded her evidence for the state on Monday. She expressed deep remorse for her involvement in the incident, sharing emotional words in court.
“I feel very hurt. I am a mother of four, and I didn’t know Kelly and Boeta’s plans,” she said. Lombaard described overhearing plans to sell Joshlin but mentioned that she tried to intervene.
“Wherever she is, I hope she’s alive,” she added, appealing to whoever may have the child.
Lombaard also revealed a shocking statement from Kelly. She claimed Kelly confessed on February 23, 2024, saying, “There was someone that paid me to keep quiet.”
However, Kelly refused to name the individual behind the payment. Lombaard also added that Kelly said the person looking for Joshlin wanted her eyes and skin.
Testimonies from Kelly’s family and a witness
Mickeyla Daniels, Kelly’s sister, also took the stand for the state. Daniels testified that she had contacted Kelly about Joshlin’s disappearance on February 20, 2024.
She shared that Kelly sent a voice note the next day, stating Joshlin had not been found but promising to bring her back.
Daniels further testified that Kelly mentioned Joshlin being in an informal settlement and suggested someone intended to sell her.
Another key witness, Paulina Tshosa, testified about witnessing an argument between Kelly and a man on February 20, 2024.
Tshosa said she saw Kelly pulling Joshlin by the arm, heading toward a shack. She mentioned seeing Joshlin holding a pink flip-flop while hearing what sounded like pots and dishes falling.
Tshosa later saw Joshlin’s picture in a social media post and felt that Kelly must tell the truth about her disappearance. “This child did not disappear,” Tshosa remarked.
The trial is ongoing, and more revelations are expected.
