Court hears how investigator in Joshlin Smith case ended up charging Kelly Smith for kidnapping

SALDANHA BAY - The investigating officer in the Joshlin Smith case has detailed how he ended up charging Kelly Smith for kidnapping her daughter.

Captain Wesley Lombard wrapped up his testimony in the trial on Thursday after giving the court insight to the investigation.

Lombard detailed how he eventually arrested Smith, Jaquen Appollis and Stevano van Rhyn, who are on trial for the child's disappearance.

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The captain told the court that when he took over the investigation, detectives had already identified Smith, Appollis, Van Rhyn and Lourentia Lombaard as persons of interest.

Lombard, who is seasoned detective in the South African Police Service's anti-kidnapping unit, said he became increasingly suspicious of Smith because she did not behave like a mother who had lost her child.

The captain said that while Appollis and Van Rhyn were being questioned the day before their arrest, they told him he must ask Smith what happened to Joshlin.

Lombard said that after he confronted Smith, she started shouting and swearing and he then decided to charge her with kidnapping.

The accused were then transported to Langebaan Police Station on 5 March last year when they were arrested.

The trial continues.