Joslin Smith Trial Proceedings Postponed Once More, Kelly Smith Rushes Out of Courtroom Sick

• Proceedings in the trial into the disappearance of Joslin Smith were halted after Kelly Smith became ill
• Advocate Rinesh Sivnarain informed the court that his client felt like she wanted to vomit
• Proceedings were halted as Kelly ran to a bathroom and then further adjourned as she was unable to return

Briefly News journalist Byron Pillay has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He spent ten years working for the Northern Natal Courier before transitioning to online journalism.

WESTERN CAPE - The trial into the disappearance of Joslin Smith has been halted by another medical situation, with accused number three, Kelly Smith, taking ill.

Kelly, along with her boyfriend Jacquin “Boeta” Appollis and their friend Steveno van Rhyn, were arrested in connection with the disappearance of the Saldanha Bay youngster. Joslin went missing from her home in Middlepos on 19 February 2024.

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Proceedings adjourned as Kelly falls ill

During court proceedings on Thursday, 27 March 2025, the Judge called for a quick postponement as Kelly fell ill. Her lawyer, Rinesh Sivnarain, informed Judge Nathan Erasmus that his client was unwell and wanted to vomit.

Kelly could then be seen rushing off to a bathroom with her hand to her mouth to prevent herself from throwing up.

You can watch that moment below.

Proceedings unable to continue following adjournment

When proceedings did finally resume, the judge provided an update on the situation.

“I have been informed that we won’t be able to proceed immediately,” he said.

He added that to avoid people constantly going up and down to check if proceedings had resumed, he would be standing down on the matter until noon.

While he did not provide specific details for why the matter could not proceed, he did state that arrangements were being made for some items to be fetched from Langebaan.

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It's not the first time the trial has had to be postponed for a medical emergency, either. It was brought to a premature halt twice when the State's key witness, Lourencia Lombaard, needed medical assistance. Lombaard fell ill twice while undergoing cross-examination.

What you need to know about the trial

• Steveno van Rhyn, Jacquin Appollis and Kelly Smith pleaded not guilty to the charges.
• Lourencia Lombaard claims Kelly confessed to selling Joslin to a sangoma for R20,000.
• Lombaard testified that Kelly confessed the sangoma wanted Joslin for her eyes and skin.
• Defence lawyer Fanie Harmse pokes holes in Lombaard's testimony during cross-examination.
• Kelly Smith's lawyer accused Lombaard and Ayanda Letoni of being responsible for Joslin's disappearance.

Lombaard needs medical treatment, judge notes the timing

Briefly News reported that proceedings in the Joslin Smith trial were halted as Lourencia Lombaard required medical treatment once more.

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Joslin Smith trial: Judge Nathan Erasmus issues stern warning to state witness Lourentia Lombaard

Judge Nathan Erasmus noted that it wasn't the first time the witness became unwell when asked tough questions.

Lombaard was being cross-examined on 25 March by Kelly Smith's attorney, Rinesh Sivnarain, when she asked for a break.

Source: Briefly News