Joshlin Smith trial: Key witness reveals shocking details

The trial surrounding the disappearance of six-year-old Joshlin Smith continued on Monday, with the sixth witness, Namhla Tinzi, taking the stand. She assured the court that she would reveal everything she knows about the case.

Joshlin was last seen on 19 February 2024 in Middelpos, Saldanha Bay. Her mother, Racquel ‘Kelly’ Smith, her boyfriend, Jacquen ‘Boeta’ Appollis, and Steveno ‘Steffie’ van Rhyn are currently on trial in connection with the case.

Witness Feared Backlash from the Community

Tinzi, who was the first person to help search for the missing child, requested that the media not reveal her face due to fears of community retaliation.

"I’m scared of the community and also fear that my children will see me and that my face might be all over social media," she told the court.

Judge Nathan Erasmus ruled that the media could not identify Tinzi through images or video, though he stated he might revisit the decision later.

What Happened on the Night of Joshlin’s Disappearance?

Testifying at the Western Cape High Court (sitting at the White City Multipurpose Centre in Diazville), Tinzi shared the events of the evening Joshlin went missing:

• She arrived home from work around 5 pm and soon after, Kelly approached her asking if she had seen Joshlin.
•  After preparing supper, she sent one of her children to help Kelly search for Joshlin at a nearby park—but the search was unsuccessful.
•  The group then decided to check at Joshlin’s uncle’s home in Diazville, a place she often visited. Boeta dismissed the idea, claiming it was too far for Joshlin to walk.
• While searching, they encountered a child who claimed to have seen Joshlin with other boys and directed them to a house on Peter Mokaba Street.
• Kelly went inside the house for 20 minutes while Tinzi waited outside. Concerned about the load shedding at 10 pm, Tinzi called Kelly to ask why she was taking so long.
• Kelly responded that she was charging her phone, which Tinzi found suspicious given that her child was missing. Kelly claimed the house occupants had not seen Joshlin.
• The police were then called to report Joshlin missing.

The following morning, Kelly visited Tinzi’s house at 7 am, informing her that Joshlin was still missing. Tinzi, unable to continue searching, had to report to work.

Trial Continues Amid Growing Questions

This trial has now entered its sixth day, with new details emerging about the circumstances leading up to Joshlin’s disappearance. The court will continue to hear testimony as the case unfolds.

mandilakhe.tshwete@inl.co.za

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