The trial of three individuals accused in connection with the disappearance of six-year-old Joshlin Smith is set to resume on Thursday at the High Court in Saldanha, on the Cape West Coast.
This week, the court heard testimony from evangelist and part-time handyman Nico Steven Coetzee. He testified that in August 2023, Joshlin’s mother, Kelly Smith, confided in him about the possibility of losing custody of her children. According to Coetzee, Smith indicated she would accept R5,000 if the full R20,000 she allegedly sought was unavailable.
Smith, along with her boyfriend, Jacquen Appollis, and co-accused Steveno van Rhyn, is facing charges of kidnapping and human trafficking.
Joshlin disappeared on 19 February 2024 and remains missing.
The trial continues.