Kelly Smith is alleged to have sold her daughter, Joshlin Smith for R20,000. Image: Armand Hough/Independent Newspapers
Image: Armand Hough
The trial into the disappearance of Joshlin Smith enters its 12th day on Tuesday.
Joshlin went missing on February 19, 2024, from her home in Middelpos. It has been over a year and there has been no sighting of the green-eyed girl.
The cross-examination for Middelpos resident, Paulina Tshoso is expected to occur on Tuesday morning.
Former accused turned state witness, Laurentia Lombaard finished her evidence-in-chief for the state on Monday. She is also expected to be cross-examined by the defense counsel on Tuesday.
Lombaard’s cross-examination is expected to take quite a while after she is on the stand for three days, giving her evidence to the court.
Lombaard became a State witness in October last year and when asked by the State why, she said: “I told myself that I was going to speak the truth as I could no longer hide things”.
Lombaard expressed remorse on the stand when asked how she felt following the incident and regarding her involvement.
“I feel very hurt. I am a mother of four and I didn’t know the plans Kelly and Boeta had. I only overheard them at a later stage about plans to sell the child. I tried to stop her [Kelly] but she wouldn’t listen,” Lombaard said, getting emotional on the stand.
“Wherever she is [Joshlin] ... I appeal to whoever may have the child. Please bring her home. I hope the child is alive. I am so sorry that I was involved,” Lombaard said.
She also remained adamant that the testimony she was giving the court was the truth.
On Monday Kelly's sister Mickeyla Daniels, a police constable also took to the stand.
robin.francke@iol.co.za
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