Doctor to advocate? Dr Matthew gives Joslin Smith verdict

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Matthew Lani – infamously known as “Dr Matthew,” has shared his verdict about Joslin Smith’s disappearance trial, in which her mother, Kelly Smith, and two others are accused of trafficking her for the purposes of exploitation.

The social media personality – who fraudulently presented himself as a medical doctor – shared his views in a TikTok.

Little Joslin disappeared from her home in Middelpos, Diazville, on 19 February 2024. Her trial is taking place under the High Court sitting at the Saldanha Bay Multipurpose Centre.

The little girl’s mother is accused of selling her daughter to fund her drug habit.

DR MATTHEW SHARES VIEWS ON JOSLIN SMITH TRIAL VERDICT…

Many South Africans have commented on the Joslin Smith trial, which will now enter into its fourth week. This includes concerns that state witness Laurentia Lombaard lied in her statement to police.

Dr Matthew Lani was one of them, sharing his views that the accused – Kelly Smith, Jacquin “Boeta” Appollis, and Steveno van Rhyn – could possibly be found not guilty of their charges.

“I’ve been following this case and been listening to all the witnesses that have come from the sister to the investigating officer to the teacher to different people. Nobody has so far presented tangible evidence. This is not even circumstantial evidence. This is literally hearsay”.

Dr Matthew then went on to critique the investigating officer whose testimony was based on the behaviour of Joslin’s mother, Kelly.

He continued, “So? Her saying that doesn’t mean that she knows anything about her child. We’ve already established that she was high as a kite on that day.

“Testimonies came back that the child was sold to a sangoma – where’s the evidence for that? Where is the proof of transactions? And then it changed that the child was sold to a Nigerian – where is the proof? There is literally nothing.

“This case was brought to the court very prematurely. This court case is being led by the community and the media…you must just know that this case is not going to go anywhere.

Joslin Smith was allegedly sold to a sangoma for R20 000; the court has heard. Images via Facebook: Gayton McKenzie

“They are going on this based on emotions and not facts, and the court of law goes on facts. That is why none of them are shaking.

Dr Matthew believes that the accused will likely be found not guilty and will possibly sue the state for wrongful arrest, unlawful detention, and malicious prosecution.

“And they’re going to win….these prosecutors don’t know their story”.

@matthew.lani #foryoupage #tiktoksa ♬ Very Sad – Enchan

ALLEGATIONS HEARD IN COURT – FACTS OR NOT?

Thus far, close to 20 witnesses have testified on behalf of the state against the three accused. A handful, including state witness Laurentia Lombaard, have also been cross-examined by the accused’s defense.

The High Court has heard several bombshell allegations about missing Joslin Smith. This includes:

A Nigerian man allegedly took Joslin and trafficked to West Africa, claims her teacher.
Joslin was allegedly sold to a sangoma for R20 000, claims state witness Lombaard.
Kelly Smith’s claims to her sister that Joslin was in the “squatter camp” and that “someone wanted to buy her.”
Kelly’s reported plans to split the money between her co-accused.
Comments from Kelly that Joslin had “made her famous” and calls to search parties to “stop looking” for her missing child.
State witness Lombaard being painted as an “unreliable” witness after admitting to “lying” to police. Her statement after her arrest and her confession to police also contained several discrepancies.