Day 25 of the Joshlin Smith trial is expected to resume with the continuation of the trial-within-a-trial, as cross-examination of key police witnesses moves to Cape Town following logistical changes announced by Judge Nathan Erasmus.
What to expect from the Joshlin Smith trial on Day 25
The move from Saldanha Bay to Cape Town comes amid delays caused by witness scheduling issues and increasing pressure to conclude the trial’s sixth week without further disruptions.
The court is currently examining whether statements made by Jacquen Appollis and Steveno van Rhyn on 5 March 2024 were lawfully obtained and if they can be admitted as evidence.
These statements have become central to the state’s case, particularly because they link co-accused Racquel “Kelly” Smith to allegations that her daughter, Joshlin, was sold to a local sangoma named Makalima, real name Phumza Sigaqa.
Readers can follow the live trial coverage today as the courtroom battle intensifies.
Recap of Day 24: Key testimonies and new revelations
On Day 24, the court heard pivotal testimony from Sergeant Dawid Johannes Fortuin of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, who detailed the strategic approach that police used on the night of 4 March 2024 to persuade Appollis and van Rhyn to implicate Kelly Smith.
Fortuin testified that he worked closely with lead investigator Captain Wesley Lombard and Brigadier Leon Hanana to question the accused separately, feeding each of them selective information from the other’s interview in an attempt to secure cooperation.
Fortuin described how he began by confronting Steveno van Rhyn with the idea that he could be betrayed by the other two accused.
Van Rhyn, according to Fortuin, initially told him to “ask Smith” and indicated that “Boeta knows,” referring to Appollis.
Fortuin then relayed this information to Appollis, telling him that Van Rhyn had mentioned Kelly and him in connection with the case. Fortuin said Appollis became visibly anxious when asked about the name “Makalima.”
The plan reportedly worked. According to Fortuin, both Appollis and van Rhyn agreed to give statements shortly after the interviews. Fortuin denied witnessing any abuse or torture during the interrogations and said he would have reported it if he had.
These denials were challenged under cross-examination by Advocate Fanie Harmse, representing Appollis, who questioned the authenticity of the statements and whether fear or coercion had influenced the accused.
The name “Makalima” — believed to be a nickname for Sigaqa — has recurred throughout the trial.
Both Appollis and van Rhyn referenced her in their statements, although Appollis has since denied being the source of that information.
Fortuin testified that police later detained and searched Makalima’s home in Middelpos using a dog unit but found no evidence linking her to Joshlin’s disappearance.
She is described as a spaza shop owner, and unverified claims suggest she may be related to Ayanda Letoni, the boyfriend of State witness Lourentia Lombaard.
Judge Erasmus made it clear on Monday that proceedings will now shift to Cape Town due to his own schedule limitations and the need to prevent further delays.
The trial, which began in Saldanha Bay, will continue in a Cape Town courtroom where the cross-examination of witnesses, including further police testimony on procedural conduct, is expected to intensify.
