A tense atmosphere enveloped the White City Multipurpose Centre in Diazville, Saldanha Bay, as the trial of Racquel “Kelly” Smith, her boyfriend Jacquen “Boeta” Appollis, and their friend Steveno “Steffie” van Rhyn approaches its conclusion. On Wednesday, presiding Judge Nathan Erasmus confirmed that judgment in this harrowing case will be delivered on Friday, putting the community on edge as they await the fate of the accused.
The case garnered widespread attention after six-year-old Joshlin Smith vanished from her home in Middelpos on February 19, 2024. Following a frantic two-week search, her mother Kelly, Appollis, and van Rhyn were arrested and charged with kidnapping and human trafficking. All have pleaded not guilty to the charges, which have gripped the tight-knit community and sparked outrage among residents.
As the trial entered its final phase, both the State and defence teams presented their closing arguments, aiming to persuade Judge Erasmus ahead of his ruling. The court continues to see significant interest, with many anticipating a crowd, including community members and possibly political figures, as Judge Erasmus acknowledged the logistical challenges of accommodating a full hall.
During the proceedings, the credibility of the State’s key witness, Lourentia “Renz” Lombaard, was sharply contested by defence lawyer Rinesh Sivnarain. He argued that Lombaard’s extensive history of drug use, including the consumption of methamphetamine, compromised her reliability as a witness. “Her conduct goes beyond that,” he stated, adamantly rejecting her accusations against Kelly and painting her as an opportunistic figure who turned against her for self-preservation.
Sivnarain further claimed that the testimony given concerning Joshlin’s alleged trafficking was riddled with contradictions, urging the judge to consider the lack of corroborating evidence supporting Lombaard’s narrative. “There is no common purpose,” he insisted, suggesting that the evidence was insufficient to establish guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Conversely, prosecutor Advocate Zelda Swanepoel defended Lombaard’s testimony, acknowledging her imperfections but asserting that the State’s case was not solely based on her evidence. Swanepoel contended that testimonies from other witnesses painted a broader picture, implicating Kelly in the alleged crime. “Three people knew the plan, and they all pointed fingers at Kelly,” she asserted, underlining the necessity for accountability.
With tensions running high and the community holding its breath, Judge Erasmus reminded all that this case is not about the location of Joshlin, but rather the integrity of the legal process, as the State bears the burden to prove the charges laid against the accused. As Friday approaches, the anticipation is palpable, the outcome uncertain, and the impact on Saldanha Bay, profound.