Joshlin Smith trial: State’s third witness to continue testifying

SALDANHA BAY - The State's third witness in the trial related to the disappearance of six-year-old Joshlin Smith has started testifying in the Western Cape High Court, sitting in Saldanha Bay Multi-Purpose Centre.  

Joshlin's mother, Kelly Smith, Jacquen Appollis, and Stevano van Rhyn are charged with kidnapping and human trafficking for the little girl's disappearance.  

ALSO READ: Police officer testifies Saldanha Bay residents questioned Kelly Smith on time it took to report Joshlin missing

Saldanha Bay police station commander Colonel Lyndon Sebola briefly took the stand on Wednesday to begin his testimony.  

Sebola, who will continue testifying on Thursday, told the court he set up a search party and a joint operational centre at the police station a day after Joshlin went missing in February 2024.

National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila recounted some of Sebola's testimony.  

"Then the next day, they went out with the search party and started at the house where the child disappeared. They had the dog unit, and they were also assisted by about 200 people from the community."