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Final Push: Defence Wraps Up in Joshlin Smith Disappearance Trial
Closing arguments are set to resume on Wednesday in the high-profile trial of three individuals accused in connection with the disappearance of six-year-old Joshlin Smith. The child went missing in February 2024 from Saldanha Bay, sparking national concern and an ongoing legal battle.
Lawyers representing two of the co-accused, Steveno van Rhyn and Kelly Smith—Joshlin’s mother—will deliver their final pleas for acquittal as the case nears its conclusion.
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Van Rhyn’s lawyer, Nobahla Mkabayi, is expected to begin proceedings by arguing for her client’s innocence. Once she concludes, Kelly Smith’s attorney, Rinesh Sivnarain, will follow with closing arguments in her defence.
This comes a day after defence advocate Fanie Harmse wrapped up his final address on behalf of Jacquen Appollis, the first accused in the case.
Harmse strongly criticised the prosecution for relying on conflicting accounts, arguing that both versions presented during the trial could not simultaneously be true.
“The 204 statement evidence and the extra-curial statement by accused number one are two mutually exclusive versions. They can’t both be true,” Harmse told the court.
Earlier in the trial, a bid to have charges against Smith dropped was denied by the judge. Smith later chose not to testify in her own defence. Judge is expected to deliver his ruling on Friday.
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Sourced:EWN
Picture: Vincent Cruywagen
