Joshlin Smith kidnapping trial continues in High Court sitting

CAPE TOWN - The trial of kidnapping and human trafficking accused Kelly Smith, and her two co-accused is set to continue in the Western Cape High Court in Saldanha Bay on Tuesday.  

Smith joined Jacquen Appolis and Stevano van Rhyn in the makeshift dock on Monday as the trial began in the Saldanha Bay multi-purpose centre.  

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The centre has been repurposed for this case to accommodate the Saldanha Bay community.  

The first investigating officer on the case, Constable Yanga Gongotha, took the stand as the State's first witness.  

Gongotha detailed how he met Smith on the day Joshlin disappeared, saying he found it strange she showed no emotions.  

National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila recounts Gongotha's testimony: "One of the last things he said in his assessment was all the time when he was talking to Kelly and asking about the child, Kelly never cried."  

Gongotha is set to be cross-examined by defence attorneys for the accused when the trial continues on Tuesday.