The third day of the Joshlin Smith trial continues at the White City Multipurpose Centre in Saldanha Bay, with Constable Yanga Gongotha still on the witness stand.
What to expect on Day 3
The State is wrapping up its questioning, after which the defence will cross-examine him.
Gongotha, the first police officer on the case, has described how Joshlin’s mother, Kelly Smith, allegedly showed little urgency when reporting her daughter missing. His testimony outlined how police were initially misled, delaying the search for Joshlin.
In court, prosecutor Zelda Swanepoel has used Gongotha’s account to suggest Smith was deceitful from the start. When police first arrived, she did not direct them to her boyfriend’s shack, despite saying she left Joshlin there.
Instead, officers found out from another source—only to discover that Smith was more concerned about a gas cylinder than her missing child when she finally saw her boyfriend that night.
The defence is expected to challenge Gongotha’s testimony, especially regarding his interpretation of Smith’s behaviour.
Her lawyer may argue that shock can affect a parent’s reaction, attempting to discredit claims that she was indifferent to Joshlin’s disappearance.
With human trafficking charges carrying a possible life sentence, the State is methodically building its case, alleging that Smith, her boyfriend Jacquen “Boeta” Appollis, and co-accused Steveno van Rhyn, conspired to sell Joshlin.
Watch Day 3 of the Joshlin Smith trial right here
For those following the trial, live streaming options may be available via the court feeds below.
Meanwhile, rumours continue to circulate about a possible new sighting of Joshlin.
A Facebook group dedicated to her case claims that recent footage of her exists, but authorities have not yet verified its authenticity.
As the trial progresses, attention remains on Smith’s defence team, who must counter the State’s narrative that she knowingly participated in her daughter’s disappearance.