A startling revelation emerged in the Joshlin Smith trial on Wednesday when a witness, Nico Kotze, took the stand and testified about a conversation he had with Kelly Smith months before the six-year-old vanished.
Joshlin Smith trial today: Here’s a breakdown of what happened
According to Kotze, Smith made an ominous statement in August 2023, claiming that come January or February, “it will be like a movie” in Saldanha Bay, with people searching but finding nothing.
She allegedly went on to say, “By then, the child will be too far.”
Kotze, a general worker and self-described evangelist, recounted his encounter with Smith as he walked to work on a cold morning in August last year.
He testified that Smith, who was out jogging in denim shorts and pink flip-flops, mentioned she was waiting for people who had promised to bring her R20,000 but would settle for R5,000.
When Kotze asked who would take the children, she reportedly did not answer.
Kotze told the court that he had informed two people about his ominous encounter with Kelly: Thersia Kruger and Jacque van Zyl, two witnesses expected to take the stand later.
His testimony took another turn when he recalled seeing Smith in early March 2024, less than a month after Joshlin had disappeared. He described her as “jubilant” at a religious gathering, despite her daughter being missing.
This event, held on Sunday, 3 March 2024, was further elaborated on by the witness who preceded Kotze, Shakeera Garief, who testified that not only was Kelly Smith elated to be the centre of attention, but also danced on stage at a gathering that commemorated the disappearance of her daughter.
Ganief, a social activist known on TikTok as @shakeswarrior, played a role in raising awareness about Joshlin’s disappearance. Ganief testified that she had a video call with Smith on 20 February 2024, the day after Joshlin was last seen.
She described Smith’s demeanour as indifferent, stating she did not behave like a mother whose child was missing.
When asked where Joshlin was, Smith said “Boeta.” When pressed further on whether Boeta had done something to Joshlin, Smith allegedly became aggressive and defensive.
Ganief also recounted noticing Smith’s hands during the video call, describing them as dirty, with blackened nails, as if she had been digging in the dirt.
She later travelled to Saldanha Bay to assist in search efforts and noted that Smith rarely participated. When questioned about her absence, Smith reportedly said people should stop searching and let the police do their work.
Ganief’s testimony also touched on Smith’s reaction to media attention, recalling a moment where she allegedly said:
“I always wanted to be famous, but I never knew it would be because of Joshlin.”
Before Kotze’s testimony, the court heard from Joshlin’s Grade 1 teacher, Tahirih Edna Maart, who detailed unusual behaviour from the child in class. She described Joshlin as quiet but constantly seeking her attention during lessons.
The most striking part of Maart’s testimony came when she recounted a conversation with Smith on 23 February 2024—four days after Joshlin’s disappearance.
Smith had approached her at a fuel station, entered her car, and confided that she had received a call from a “Nigerian man” who told her to “move quickly.” According to Maart, Smith claimed this man said Joshlin was on a boat heading to West Africa.
When Maart asked if she had reported this to the police, Smith allegedly said she was too afraid of how people in Saldanha Bay would react.
Before stepping out of the car, Smith reportedly whispered, “Boeta is not guilty.” Maart later realised that “Boeta” referred to Jacquen Appollis, one of the accused in the case.
The day’s proceedings ended with Kotze’s testimony, which led to some confusion over the timeline of his interactions with Smith. The judge ultimately decided to adjourn, allowing both sides to clarify details before resuming.
The trial will resume on Thursday.