Joshlin Smith trial: Defence attorneys cross-exam the state's first witness
The first responding officer Constable Yanga Gongotha is being cross-examined by Jacquen Appolis’ lawyer, Fanie Harmse.
Joshlin Smith's mother, Kelly Smith and co-accused Jacquen Appolis and Stevano van Rhyn are charged with kidnapping and human trafficking. Picture: Carlo Petersen/EWN.
CAPE TOWN - Defence attorneys in the trial of missing, Joshlin Smith are cross-examining the state’s first witness.
Joshlin’s mother Kelly Smith, Jacquen Appolis and Stevano van Rhyn are charged with kidnapping and human trafficking after the little girl went missing in Saldanha Bay in February last year.
READ: Joshlin Smith’s granny shocked her daughter didn’t cry after granddaughter disappeared
All three of the accused have pleaded not guilty to the charges they face.
The matter has resumed in the Western Cape High Court sitting in Saldanha Bay on Tuesday.
The first responding officer Constable Yanga Gongotha is being cross-examined by Jacquen Appolis’ lawyer, Fanie Harmse.
Harmse presented the court with Gongotha’s affidavit about what transpired when he met Kelly Smith on the day Joshlin vanished.
Gongotha on Monday testified Smith was with another woman when she flagged him down in Middelpos to tell him Joshlin was missing.
Yesterday Gongotha testified Joshlin's mother did not appear to be in distress over the missing child.
Harmse has told the court there seem to be some contradictory statements in Gongotha’s affidavit.