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Joslin Smith Trial: Mother’s Ring Sparks Speculation Amid Explosive Testimony
The ongoing trial of Kelly Smith, Jacquin “Boeta” Appollis, and Steven van Rhyn took an unexpected turn this week when Smith appeared in court wearing a sparkling ring on her ring finger. The development comes as state witness Laurentia Lombaard testified that Kelly had accused her of having an affair with Appollis.
The three accused are facing charges of human trafficking related to the disappearance of Joslin Smith, who went missing on 19 February 2024 from her home in Middelpos, Diazville. The trial is currently being held at the Saldanha Bay Multipurpose Centre under the jurisdiction of the High Court.
Also Read: Medical Report to Decide If Key Witness Can Continue in Joshlin Smith Trial
As the trial enters its fourth week, Kelly Smith’s appearance in court with a noticeable ring has raised speculation about whether she is engaged, married, or simply wearing it for other reasons.
Smith began dating Appollis after ending her relationship with Joslin’s biological father, Josh Emke. The former couple allegedly had an abusive relationship, according to earlier testimony from Kelly’s friend Natasha Andrews.
At the time of her arrest last year, Kelly was reportedly expecting Appollis’s child but later suffered a miscarriage while in police custody at Pollsmoor Prison.
Also Read: Joshlin Smith’s Mother Allegedly Knew Child Was Still in Middlepos Court Hears
During cross-examination, state witness Laurentia Lombaard described her relationship with Appollis as a “friendship” but stated that Kelly had been hostile toward her due to suspicions of an affair.
“Boeta once told me that Kelly was jealous of me because she thinks we are having an affair. That’s why she was nasty to me,” Lombaard testified.
Lombaard, a former co-accused turned state witness in October, has faced scrutiny over her reliability. The defense has pointed out inconsistencies in her statements and her admission of drug use.
She also admitted to regularly using Tik (crystal meth) and acknowledged the possibility of being under the influence when she was arrested. Additionally, she has been accused of falsely implicating co-accused Steven van Rhyn out of anger after her boyfriend was linked to the case.
With conflicting testimonies and accusations of dishonesty, the trial continues to unfold with high tensions.
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Sourced:The South African
