MENSE at the Western Cape High Court in Middelpos broke down in tears as they heard that Kelly Smith packed up some of Joshlin’s clothes in a tassie before handing her over to her buyers.
On Friday, former accused, turned State witness, Lourentia “Renz” Lombaard made the shocking claim that Kelly sold her daughter for R20 000 as the mother stands accused of kidnapping and human trafficking.
Kelly and her co-accused, berk Jacquen “Boeta” Appollis, and their friend Steveno ‘Steffie’ van Rhyn were arrested along with Lombaard weeks after Joshlin’s 19 February 2024 disappearance.
She claimed that Joshlin was taken away in a white VW Polo, an allegation that moved many community members to tears.
Lombaard accused Kelly of selling her child to a sangoma, stating that on 18 February, Kelly met a black woman driving a white VW Polo. The woman handed Kelly something, which she allegedly tucked into her trousers. Later, Lombaard overheard Kelly showing Boeta R20 000.
When Lombaard questioned her, Kelly allegedly responded: “I sold my child to a sangoma” because she needed the money.
Lombaard further testified that Kelly had planned to distribute the money: R1 000 for herself, R1 200 for Steveno, and the rest split between her and Boeta.
She also claimed Kelly offered her money to stay silent but insisted she never accepted any payment.
On 19 February, Lombaard returned home around 2pm and allegedly saw Kelly packing Joshlin’s clothes into a cooler bag before leaving with her in the same white VW Polo.
She said: “I hid behind a rock and watched. Kelly and Joshlin got into the backseat, and the car drove off.
“Earlier that day, Kelly told us not to report Joshlin missing - she would do it herself.”
“Around 8pm, Kelly came to my home with the police and asked me if I had seen Joshlin. I told her to tell them the truth.”
Lombaard is expected to continue her testimony today.
Meanwhile, Joshlin’s grandmother Loretta Yon says she has not given up hope that the green-eyed meisie is still alive.
After Friday’s proceedings, she told Independent Media: “I still have hope that Joshlin will be found alive. I will talk about this when the trial is over.”
