'Sangoma wanted Joslin Smith's eyes and skin' – court hears

11 Views

Formerly accused and now a state witness, Lourencia Lombaard testified in court that Kelly Smith confessed to her about the person who took Joslin Smith, stating that they wanted her eyes and skin.

Last week, Lombaard also claimed that Smith sold her daughter to a sangoma for R20 000. Six-year-old Joshlyn disappeared from her family’s home in Middelpos on January 19, 2024.

Joslin’s mother, Kelly, along with her boyfriend, Jacquen Appollis, and his friend, Stevano van Rhyn, are facing charges of kidnapping and human trafficking.

On Monday, Lombaard mentioned in court that she saw Smith on the day of Joslin’s disappearance.

“I called out to her, after which Kelly told me not to call out so loudly, as people were looking for her. I then walked up to her. She was with Boeta, another man, and a woman I did not know.”

Lombard said Kelly came to her house and asked for her son’s school uniform and bank card. “I asked Kelly what she was looking for. She replied that she is looking for her son Requen’s school uniform and her bank card. She didn’t mention anything about Joslin.”

Joslin Smith disappeared last year in January

Lombaard testified that Smith told her, “Rens, I know what I did with Joshlin, and someone is paying me to remain silent.” She mentioned that she asked Smith who that person was, but Smith did not provide an answer.

Lombaard said she asked Kelly for her share of the money to keep quiet after Smith admitted she sold Joslin to a sangoma for R20 000.