Joshlin Smith Case: Kelly Smith’s Sudden Illness Disrupts Trial

The high court proceedings in the Joshlin Smith kidnapping and human trafficking case were abruptly halted on Thursday when Raquel “Kelly” Smith, one of the accused, complained of nausea and rushed out of the courtroom.

Trial Disrupted as Smith Leaves Courtroom

Smith, who is on trial alongside her boyfriend, Jacquin “Boeta” Appollis, reportedly covered her mouth and ran out of the courtroom at the Saldanha Bay multipurpose centre immediately after the adjournment.

At the time, the court was hearing testimony from Captain Wesley Lombard, an investigating officer from the Western Cape’s organised crime unit, which specializes in kidnappings.

Lombard testified about his February 25, 2024, visit to the Vredenburg police station, where he interviewed Smith and Appollis—just days after Joshlin, 6, went missing on February 19.

Also Read:

• Final Stages of Cross-Examination in Joshlin Smith Kidnapping Case

• Joshlin Smith’s Mother Allegedly Knew Child Was Still in Middlepos, Court Hears

• Joshlin Wanted for Her Eyes and Skin

He recalled that Smith repeatedly said, “Joshlin made me famous,” which struck him as highly inappropriate given the circumstances.

“She was smiling, and it appeared to me in that moment that she was enjoying the status of fame,” Lombard told the court. “She did not ask for an apology or explain why she smiled.”

Lombard further revealed that when he asked Smith for a supplementary statement, she refused, saying she and Appollis had to leave for breakfast at Spur.

Also Read: Chilling Testimony Reveals Missing Joshlin Smith Was Allegedly Sold for R20,000

“I could not understand how a mother with a missing child would not be willing to give her time to help SAPS,” Lombard said. “I thought to myself, ‘Really now?’ I was there to assist in the search for Joshlin, yet she claimed she didn’t have time. It was shocking.”

The court proceedings will continue as the state presents its case against Smith and Appollis.

Joshlin Smith Case: Mother is said to Deny Selling Daughter to Sangoma

Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter , TikTok and Instagram

For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com

Sourced:Times Live