In a gripping turn of events at the Western Cape High Court, harrowing details have emerged that cast a dismal shadow over the trial of Racquel “Kelly” Smith, accused of kidnapping her then-6-year-old daughter, Joshlin. Key witness Lourentia “Renz” Lombaard delivered chilling testimony that suggested Smith confessed to selling her child to a traditional healer, commonly referred to as a sangoma, for an alarming sum of R20,000.
As Lombaard recounted her unsettling narrative before Judge Nathan Erasmus, the atmosphere in the packed courtroom shifted significantly, punctuated by audible gasps from the public gallery. Court orderlies were compelled to restore order as the shocking revelations unfolded.
Lombaard’s connection to Smith as a friend granted her valuable insight into the disturbing circumstances leading up to the alleged kidnapping. She described a fateful visit to Smith’s home during which Smith confided to co-accused Jacquen “Boeta” Appollis about her concerns for Joshlin, indicating that someone was pursuing her daughter. Appollis, however, dismissed her fears as “nonsense,” fuelling a growing sense of alarm.
The drama intensified when a phone belonging to Smith erupted into a ringing crescendo. In a sudden switch to English, Smith told her caller, “I am coming. When Boeta is finished with his job, I will come.” Shortly thereafter, Smith left her home with Joshlin. When Lombaard asked her about where they were headed, she was met with a brusque dismissal.
As Lombaard watched closely, she saw Smith cross a canal to meet a woman whose appearance was suggestive of a sangoma—white spots on her face, a distinctive headband, and a green scarf marking her presence. After a terse exchange, Smith returned home, informing Appollis of receiving R20,000 from the sangoma.
The most disturbing moment came when Lombaard confronted Smith about her actions, leading to a chilling admission: “I sold my child to a sangoma.” Pressed for justification, Smith flatly stated, “Renz, I was in need of money and I’m going through hardship.” Despite Lombaard’s pleas for Smith to reconsider her choices, Smith remained adamant, claiming that the deal was irreversible.
In a further attempt to silence Lombaard, Smith reportedly offered her R1,000 and suggested R1,200 to another co-defendant, Van Rhyn. However, no monetary agreement was finalised.
Once implicated as a co-accused, Lombaard has now shifted to become a state witness, seeking immunity from prosecution under Section 204 of the Criminal Procedure Act. Her testimony, now shrouded by witness protection protocols, heightens the drama of an ongoing trial in which Smith, Van Rhyn, and Appollis continue to assert their not guilty pleas to charges of kidnapping and human trafficking.
The trial continues.