The trial of missing six-year-old Joshlin Smith resumed with further cross-examination of State witness Lourentia Lombaard, followed by a bombshell revelation from investigating officer Captain Wesley Lombard regarding Kelly Smith’s statements to police in the early stages of the investigation.
Joshlin Smith trial today: Here’s a breakdown of what happened
Lombaard remained under intense scrutiny as Kelly Smith’s lawyer took her through previous testimonies about her movements on Sunday, 18 February, and Monday, 19 February 2024.
Defence pressed her on contradictions in her accounts, particularly around her drug use and whether she was present for key events she previously testified about.
Under questioning, Lombaard admitted that on Sunday, she had smoked tik twice—once with a friend in Marikana and again in the afternoon after receiving money from Ayanda.
The defence highlighted inconsistencies in her statements regarding who supplied her drugs that day, arguing that her memory was unreliable.
When asked about her March 2024 police statement, Lombaard admitted she had been dishonest at the time, stating that she had still been expecting a share of the alleged R20,000 payment for Joshlin and was hesitant to reveal the full truth.
The defence then challenged her claim that she overheard Kelly and Jacquen discussing the money on Monday, 19 February.
When asked directly if she had been present for that conversation, Lombaard hesitated, ultimately saying she “did not have an answer.”
The defence further pressed her on why she had omitted details, such as Kelly allegedly smashing a window, from her March statement but included them in her Section 204 confession in October. Lombaard responded that she had made a conscious decision to be truthful in October.
The defence concluded its cross-examination by asserting that Lombaard had fabricated her testimony to protect her boyfriend, Ayanda, and that he had been involved in Joshlin’s disappearance.
Lombaard firmly denied this, maintaining that Kelly and Jacquen orchestrated the alleged sale of Joshlin while Ayanda left Saldanha Bay for safety reasons.
The State then introduced a new affidavit submitted by an attendee in the gallery who had overheard key testimony last week. While details of this new evidence were not fully disclosed, the judge approved two trials within a trial to determine the admissibility of certain statements.
Captain Wesley Lombard, a veteran investigator, was then called to the stand. He detailed how he first became involved in the case on 20 February 2024, following reports of Joshlin’s disappearance.
He recounted early interviews with both Jacquen and Kelly, revealing significant discrepancies in their versions of events.
Lombard confirmed that Jacquen admitted to an argument with Kelly over a chicken theft accusation on Sunday, but downplayed it. On Monday, 19 February, he stated that Kelly left for work in the morning, leaving Joshlin and Racquen in his care.
He confirmed that he, Steveno, and Lombaard smoked drugs at Kelly’s house that morning and that Joshlin was playing outside. At some point, Jacquen said he called Joshlin inside, but she refused.
However, it was Kelly’s statements that shocked the courtroom.
Lombard testified that during her police interview, Kelly repeatedly insisted that Joshlin was “no longer in Saldanha Bay” and expressed a desire to move on with her life.
When asked how she knew Joshlin was no longer in the area, she did not provide an explanation.
The courtroom reacted with audible gasps as Lombard detailed Kelly’s apparent indifference.
He further testified that she never followed up with police about leads or made inquiries into the investigation, showing little interest in her missing daughter’s whereabouts.
The court adjourned with Lombard expected to continue his testimony when proceedings resume on Thursday.
