The trial into the disappearance of Joshlin Smith enters its 12th day on Tuesday.
Joshlin went missing on February 19, 2024, from her home in Middelpos. It has been over a year and there has been no sighting of the green-eyed girl.
The cross-examination for Middelpos resident, Paulin Tshoso is expected to occur on Tuesday morning.
Former accused turned state witness, Laurentia Lombaard finished her evidence-in-chief for the state on Monday. She is also expected to be cross-examined by the defense counsel on Tuesday.
Lombaard’s cross-examination is expected to take quite a while after she is on the stand for three days, giving her evidence to the court.
Lombaard became a State witness in October last year and when asked by the State why, she said: “I told myself that I was going to speak the truth as I could no longer hide things”.
Lombaard expressed remorse on the stand when asked how she felt following the incident and regarding her involvement.
“I feel very hurt. I am a mother of four and I didn’t know the plans Kelly and Boeta had. I only overheard them at a later stage about plans to sell the child. I tried to stop her [Kelly] but she wouldn’t listen,” Lombaard said, getting emotional on the stand.
“Wherever she is [Joshlin] … I appeal to whoever may have the child. Please bring her home. I hope the child is alive. I am so sorry that I was involved,” Lombaard said.
She also remained adamant that the testimony she was giving the court was the truth.
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