Joshlin Smith ‘trial within a trial’ adjourns early

CAPE TOWN - It's been another dramatic week in the Joshlin Smith trial, which adjourned early on Friday during a "trial within a trial".  

Earlier this week, kidnapping and human trafficking accused Kelly Smith blamed the State's main witness for being the mastermind behind the little girl's disappearance.  

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The trial adjourned on Friday after hearing how Smith's co-accused, Jacquen Appollis and Stevano van Rhyn were allegedly tortured to admit their involvement in the little girl's disappearance.  

Smith's attorney, Rinesh Sivnarain, told the court this week that his client believes former accused turned State witness, Lourentia Lombaard, is protecting herself and her boyfriend, Ayanda Letoni.  

Lombaard previously testified that she witnessed Smith sell Joshlin to a sangoma for R20,000 before offering the accused money to keep quiet.  

Sivnarain told the court Smith will deny she sold Joshlin and insists it was Lombaard and her Letoni who masterminded the child's disappearance.  

Investigating officer Wesley Lombard took the stand later in the week to testify, saying he immediately found Smith and Appollis's behaviour suspicious when he interviewed them.  

The week ended with a "trial within a trial" to determine whether certain evidence related to Appollis and Van Rhyn allegedly being tortured will be admissible in court.  

Appollis and Van Rhyn insist they were tortured to confess they were involved in Joshlin's disappearance before they were arrested.  

The matter will be back in court on Tuesday.