The trial of missing six-year-old Joshlin Smith continues to reveal shocking details, with the latest testimony from Saldanha SAPS station commander Lieutenant Colonel Lincoln Sebola, raising serious concerns.
Smith, along with her boyfriend, Jacquin “Boeta” Appollis, and their friend, Steveno van Rhyn, are currently on trial as witnesses and accused individuals take the stand to provide testimony.
During Thursday’s proceedings, Sebola, who led the search efforts for Joshlin, testified about Smith’s unusual demeanor, stating that her behaviour did not align with that of a distressed mother.
“When she entered the charge office, she was communicating, there were police officers that she was familiar with,” he said.
“As they were interacting, I could see that she was acting like it’s normal that her child was not there,” he added.
“What worried me was when she indicated that her child made her famous. She said in her own words: ‘My child Joshlin made me famous,” Sebola said, adding that as a parent, it made him worry.
WATCH BELOW:
[WATCH] Saldhana Bay police station commander Lincoln Sebola says during his interaction with Kelly Smith, she was acting normal. “What worried me is when she said. “My child Joshlin has made me famous,” Sebola claims Smith said to him. #Newzroom405 pic.twitter.com/CK2UsHHaDZ
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) March 6, 2025
According to IOL, Sebola said that they had got accommodation for Kelly in Vredeneburg, but she did not like it as her boyfriend could not go with her.
“We then got her accommodation in Diazville, from a member of the community, where she could stay with her boyfriend,” he said.
“We had to have members stationed outside for safety because the community was angry,” he added.
Sebola said Kelly’s other children were not with her, and she did not ask for any accommodation for her children.
Judge Erasmus sought clarity and asked: “So, there was no concern or request to give her other two kids (aged 11 and two) with her but her boyfriend?” to which Sebola said: “Correct.”
[IN LOCO INSPECTION] Court has adjourned as officials alongside the accused, Kelly Smith, her boyfriend, and their friend inspect the shack where the mother lived at the time of Joshlin’s disappearance. #Newzroom405 pic.twitter.com/lkzkjkpgMR
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) March 6, 2025
Compiled by: Matthew Petersen
First published by African Insider
Also see: ‘Kelly, just tell the truth about Joshlin’ – Gayton McKenzie pleads for answers
