Laurentia Lombaard continued her testimony for the third day in the Western Cape High Court, as the trial of Jacquen “Boeta” Appollis, Steveno van Rhyn, and Joshlin’s mother, Kelly Smith, unfolded. The trio faces charges of kidnapping and human trafficking following the disappearance of six-year-old Joshlin on February 19, 2024.
Lombaard’s testimony has sent shockwaves through the court and the broader community. She recounted a confrontation between her boyfriend, Ayanda, and Boeta when police arrived at her home on the day Joshlin went missing.
She later encountered Kelly near her home on the Friday after Joshlin’s disappearance. According to Lombaard, Kelly was accompanied by Boeta and two others when she stopped by to collect her son’s school clothes, bank card, and ID.
Notably, Kelly never mentioned Joshlin during this visit. Instead, Lombaard testified that Kelly made a chilling statement:
“Renz, I know what I did to Joshlin. There was someone that paid me to keep quiet.”
When asked who had paid her, Kelly allegedly refused to reveal a name but indicated that Joshlin was wanted for her eyes and skin.
Lombaard admitted to initially withholding some details from the police out of fear. However, she now insists she is revealing everything in court.
The trial continues, as the search for Joshlin, missing for over a year, remains unresolved.
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Chilling Testimony Reveals Missing Joshlin Smith Was Allegedly Sold for R20,000