The Western Cape High Court heard testimony on Thursday from Colonel Lyndon Sebola, the Saldanha Bay station commander, who described Kelly Smith’s behaviour during the search for her missing six-year-old daughter, Joshlin Smith.
State witness testifies about Kelly Smith’s disturbing utterance
Sebola, who was involved in the initial search efforts, told the court that Kelly’s demeanour stood out.
Instead of appearing distressed or concerned, she seemed elated by the attention surrounding her child’s disappearance.
According to Sebola, while stationed at the makeshift command centre, Kelly allegedly made a remark that left him deeply unsettled.
“My child has made me famous,” she reportedly said.
Sebola told the court that the statement bothered him, as it did not align with how a mother would typically react in such a situation.
His testimony provided further details about the police-led search, which officially began on 20 February 2024.
Efforts initially focused on the home Kelly shared with Jacquen Appollis, but this drew large crowds, which police believed hampered the investigation.
In response, the search strategy was shifted to areas that had received less attention.
Sebola explained that he was absent from the search between 24 and 28 February 2024 due to other responsibilities but rejoined on 29 February 2024, when additional resources from the City of Cape Town were deployed to assist in the search.
He also noted that a central command centre was established at the White City Multipurpose Centre, which now serves as the temporary courtroom for the trial.
His testimony further detailed the events following then-Police Minister Bheki Cele’s visit to Saldanha Bay.
Sebola recalled that Kelly had private discussions with Cele, though he was not present for them.
He did, however, confirm that arrangements were made to relocate Kelly for her safety after tensions rose in the Diazville community, where locals were reportedly threatening mob justice against her and Jacquen.
Sebola testified that Kelly was offered accommodation in Vredenburg, but she refused, stating that she would not go anywhere without Jacquen.
When questioned about whether Kelly had included her other children in her accommodation request, an 11-year-old boy and two-year-old daughter, Sebola confirmed that she had not mentioned them, which raised concerns about her priorities at the time.
Sebola’s testimony is expected to be challenged during cross-examination, which will take place after a planned site visit to key locations in the investigation.
The trial continues as the court seeks to establish what happened to Joshlin Smith, who has been missing since February 2024.