JUDGMENT DAY

MENSE van wyd en syd are expected to rock up in Saldanha Bay this morning to hear the final judgment in the Joshlin Smith kidnapping trial.

Judge Nathan Erasmus is set to deliver his verdict to a full house in the high-profile Western Cape High Court case that has gripped the Saldanha Bay community and beyond.

The green-eyed meisie went missing from her Middelpos home on 19 February 2024, sparking a frantic search that quickly escalated into a major criminal investigation.

Her mother, Racquel “Kelly” Smith, her boyfriend Jacquen ‘Boeta’ Appollis, and their friend Steveno ‘Steffie’ van Rhyn were subsequently arrested. 

All three have pleaded not guilty to charges of kidnapping and human trafficking and will finally learn their fate today.

Public interest in the case has been intense since the trial started on 3 March. 

Community members from across the province are expected to travel to Diazville.

Chadwick Fortuin, who has travelled from Piketberg, said he has been in Middelpos since the early days of Joshlin’s disappearance, assisting in search efforts.

He explains: “I feel my presence must be there to see that justice prevails, and we hope that there will be a positive outcome. 

“My plan for Friday is to queue outside the court from 4am.”

Judge Erasmus is expecting the White City Community Centre to be uitgepak. 

He said earlier this week: “I take it there will be a lot of people. There will be logistical arrangements, especially if the court is full. 

“I’ll be making a ruling on the seating arrangements.”

While the judge confirmed he expects politicians to attend proceedings, he made it clear that no special seating arrangements would be made for them. Only the accused and family members of the victims would be prioritised.

The State initially charged five individuals, including Phumza Sigaqa (known as Maka Lima) and the accused trio’s friend, Lourentia ‘Renz’ Lombaard. 

However, charges against Sigaqa were later withdrawn due to insufficient evidence.

Lombaard turned State's witness and provided key testimony during the trial.