Joshlin Smith trial: Investigating officers details why charges were dropped against former accused
Anti-kidnapping unit captain Wesley Lombard continued his testimony on Tuesday, in relation to the police's investigation into Joshlin's disappearance.
Kelly Smith (right), Jacquen Appolis and Stevano van Rhyn appeared in the high court sitting at the Saldanha Bay Multi-Purpose Centre in Saldanha Bay on 3 March 2025. Picture: Carlo Petersen/EWN
CAPE TOWN - The investigating officer in the Joshlin Smith case has detailed how charges against a former accused in the matter were withdrawn.
Anti-kidnapping unit captain Wesley Lombard continued his testimony on Tuesday, in relation to the police's investigation into Joshlin's disappearance.
The missing girl's mother, Kelly Smith, Jacquen Appollis and Steveno van Rhyn are charged with kidnapping and human trafficking after Joshlin went missing in February last year.
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State witness Captain Wesley Lombard told the court why the prosecution team decided to withdraw charges against the former accused, Phumza Sigaqa.
In confession statements, Appollis and van Rhyn claim Smith instructed them to leave her daughter with Sigaqa on the day the child disappeared.
Sigaqa was arrested, but charges against her were withdrawn after the accused's second appearance in Vredenburg Magistrates Court in March last year.
Lombard told the court his team could not find any independent evidence to confirm Appollis and Van Rhyn's claims.
State prosecutor Zelda Swanepoel explains: "Is it correct that in that period of seven days, the investigation was focused on her and there was not sufficient evidence to say that there could be a reasonable prospect of successful prosecution and therefore the case was withdrawn."
Lombard: "That is correct, my lord."
The trial continues.