Mom sold Joslin Smith for R20k, says state witness

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The mother of Joslin Smith – Kelly Smith – is accused of selling her child for R20 000 to a sangoma. This bombshell allegation was made by a former accused turned state witness, Lourentia Lombaard.

Charges were withdrawn against Lombaard, who has been granted provisional indemnity from criminal prosecution as a Section 204 witness.

Kelly, her boyfriend Jacquin “Boeta,” and her friend Steveno Van Rhyn have pleaded not guilty to child kidnapping and trafficking charges. The trial is taking place at the Saldana Bay multipurpose centre under the High Court.

Joslin disappeared on Monday, 19 February 2024, at her home in the Middelpos informal settlement in Diazville.

JOSLIN SMITH ‘SOLD’ BY MOM TO A SANGOMA, SAYS STATE WITNESS

Taking the witness stand for the second time this week, Lourentia Lombaard testified how Joslin Smith’s mother, Kelly Smith, allegedly brokered a deal with a sangoma to sell the child for R20 000.

The deal was reportedly confirmed on the eve of Joslin’s disappearance on 19 February 2024.

According to Lombaard, Kelly took Joslin to a white Polo car near their house on Sunday evening. There, a man and a woman, allegedly a sangoma wearing traditional attire, waited for them. The woman allegedly gave Kelly a package containing R20 000 in cash in exchange for her daughter.

Returning home, Kelly then allegedly revealed what had transpired to her boyfriend Boeta, their pal Steveno, and Lombaard.

When Lombaard questioned Kelly about her decision, Kelly responded that she “desperately needed money” and that it “was already done.”

Joslin Smith’s mother is accused of selling the child for R20 000.
Images via SABC News

Kelly attempted to buy Lombaard and Steveno’s silence for around R1 000 each. The balance would reportedly be split between Kelly and Boeta.

Lombaard and Steveno reportedly accepted the offer. However, they did not receive the money.

The next day, little Joslin would not go to school, and her mom planned to take her to the mystery duo in the afternoon.

Lombaard added: “Around 2pm, I saw Kelly coming from work. Later, I saw Joslin and Kelly walking with a cooler bag with the child’s clothes in her hand.

“They climbed in a car and drove away, and that was the last time I saw Joslin.”

The trial continues.

WHAT IS A SECTION 204 WITNESS?

According to the Criminal Procedure Act, a Section 204 witness can receive indemnity from criminal charges, provided that their testimony and evidence help incriminate the accused.

In the case of Joslin Smith, the National Prosecuting Authority offered Lourentia Lombaard witness protection in exchange for her testimony against Kelly Smith, Boeta Appollis, and Steveno van Rhyn.