The lead investigator in the Joshlin Smith case has testified about why charges were withdrawn against a former accused, Phumza Sigaqa.
Captain Wesley Lombard from the police’s anti-kidnapping unit continued giving evidence on Tuesday, detailing the steps taken during the investigation into the disappearance of six-year-old Joshlin Smith.
Joshlin’s mother, Kelly Smith, along with Jacquen Appollis and Steveno van Rhyn, currently face charges of kidnapping and human trafficking following the child’s disappearance in February last year.
During his testimony, Lombard explained that Sigaqa was initially arrested after Appollis and van Rhyn alleged in their confession statements that Kelly Smith had instructed them to leave the child with her on the day she vanished.
However, the prosecution team decided to drop charges against Sigaqa after the group’s second court appearance in March 2023 at the Vredenburg Magistrates Court.
Lombard told the court there was no independent evidence to substantiate the allegations made against Sigaqa by Appollis and van Rhyn.
State prosecutor Zelda Swanepoel clarified the rationale:
“Is it correct that during that seven-day period the investigation focused on her, and that there was not sufficient evidence to suggest a reasonable prospect of successful prosecution—therefore the charges were withdrawn?”
Lombard confirmed:
“That is correct, my lord.”
The trial remains ongoing.
