As the Joshlin Smith trial enters Day 33, the focus is expected to shift to a new key witness: Sergeant Sangozi.
What to expect from the Joshlin Smith trial on Day 33
He is set to take the stand to explain why the state made the decision to withdraw Phumza Sigaqa as a witness in the case. This move follows recent testimony by Captain Wesley Lombard, who told the court that although both accused—Jacquen Appollis and Steveno van Rhyn—implicated Phumza in their confession statements, police could not find independent evidence to support their claims.
Readers can follow the live trial coverage today as the courtroom battle intensifies.
Recap of Day 32: Key testimonies and new revelations
Day 32 of the trial offered a detailed overview of the state’s evolving strategy, including the introduction of Steveno’s full confession, in which he reaffirmed earlier claims that Joshlin had been taken to Phumza, also known as “Ma Ka Lima,” at the instruction of her mother, Kelly Smith. Steveno alleged that he accompanied Jacquen to Phumza’s house, dropped Joshlin off, and later returned to request a share of the payment he believed was made.
The state further entered into evidence Kelly Smith’s warning statement from 6 March 2024. In it, she recounted her movements on the day Joshlin disappeared, detailing her morning routine, work visits, drug purchases, and eventual return home. She said she noticed Joshlin was missing at around 17:00 and began looking for her that evening.
The court also heard from Captain Wesley Lombard, who recapped elements of the investigation. He confirmed that a major lead involving Phumza was thoroughly pursued in March 2024 but yielded no physical evidence linking her to Joshlin’s disappearance. Lombard also addressed the role of TikTok content, fortune tellers, sangomas, and online informants during the investigation—none of whom provided leads that produced results.
Cross-examination by defence advocate Fannie Harmse introduced a new angle: a previously unlisted witness, Moeketsi Sisa, who claimed to have seen Joshlin between 19:00 and 20:00 on 19 February 2024.
Lombard confirmed he did not personally interview the witness, though other officers followed up on the statement. The judge noted that this witness was never on the state’s list and questioned the purpose of the testimony.
With the court now turning attention to Sgt Sangozi, today’s session may clarify why the state pivoted away from using Phumza in their case. The outcome could influence how much weight is ultimately given to the confessions of Jacquen and Steveno, especially as the trial-within-a-trial on the admissibility of their statements continues.
