Latest news with #KellySmith
The South African
12 hours ago
- The South African
Joslin Smith court case: What happened to state witness?
Western Cape High Court Judge Nathan Erasmus has imposed a life sentence on convicted traffickers of Joslin Smith, including her mother, Kelly Smith. But what about the state witness, Lourentia Lombaard? The woman – a former accused who turned State 204 witness – has stated under oath that Kelly allegedly sold her daughter to a sangoma for R20 000. Kelly, her boyfriend Jacquin 'Boeta' Appollis, and pal Steveno van Rhyn received concurrent sentences for trafficking and kidnapping. During his sentencing hearing, Western Cape High Court Judge Erasmus revealed that the trafficking trial's fourth former accused, turned state witness, Lourentia Lombaard, would hear her fate in another court date. Lombaard – a State 204 witness – previously stated under oath that Joslin's mother, Kelly Smith, allegedly sold her to a sangoma for R20 000. Charges were withdrawn against Lombaard, who has been granted provisional indemnity from criminal prosecution. However, her credibility was questioned when she admitted to lying to police in a recorded statement after Joslin Smith's disappearance. Her version of events from her March 2024 statement differs from her confession to police in October, when she agreed to turn state witness. According to the Criminal Procedure Act, a Section 204 witness can receive indemnity from criminal charges, provided that their testimony and evidence help incriminate the accused. In the case of Joslin Smith, the National Prosecuting Authority offered Lourentia Lombaard witness protection in exchange for her testimony against Kelly Smith, Boeta Appollis, and Steveno van Rhyn. However, if the court finds that the witness has not testified truthfully, they may face prosecution for perjury and related charges. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 . Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp , Facebook , X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
News24
3 days ago
- Business
- News24
SA reacts to teen's actuary degree; Matlala's wife in custody: Top 7 stories in 7 minutes
News24 brings you the top stories of the day, summarised into neat little packages. Read through quickly or listen to the articles via our customised text-to-speech feature. 'Please delete, worried my mother will see': SA reacts to 17-year-old's actuary degree Mongiwa Hazel Ntuli, at 17, earned an actuarial science degree from the University of Pretoria, becoming the first graduate in her family. Ntuli's achievement sparked widespread admiration and humour on social media, with users reflecting on their own experiences at 17. Her story is celebrated as an inspiring example of perseverance, brilliance and belief in one's potential. READ MORE SAPS/Supplied Olorato Mongale: KZN mother released amid allegations of tipping off wanted son Philangenkosi Makhanya, wanted for the murder of Olorato Mongale, was killed in a police shootout after allegedly being tipped off by his mother. Makhanya was linked to multiple kidnapping cases and found with numerous IDs and cellphones, suggesting a wider criminal network. Police are investigating Makhanya's associates and the source of the IDs and cellphones, while also searching for another suspect believed to have fled to Zimbabwe. Lisalee Solomons/News24 'She did not want to see me': Kelly Smith refuses to say goodbye to mom after sentencing Racquel "Kelly" Smith refused to see her mother, Amanda Smith-Daniels, after receiving a life sentence for kidnapping and trafficking her daughter, Joshlin. Amanda Smith-Daniels plans to legally adopt Smith's two other children and provide them with stability and love in the Northern Cape. Smith-Daniels expressed her belief that Joshlin is still alive and will be found, while also thanking the community and authorities for their work on the case. READ MORE Picture: Thahasello Mphatsoe/Graphic: Sharlene Rood/News24 'Cat' Matlala's wife appears in court, remanded in custody until next week Tsakani Matlala was arrested and charged in connection with the 2023 attempted hit on Tebogo Thobejane. She appeared in court alongside her husband, Vusimusi Matlala, and their case was postponed for bail applications. The other two accused in the case are also linked to a separate murder and will have their case transferred to the High Court. READ MORE Supplied/Absa Absa names new leaders for its retail and business banking units Absa has appointed Christine Wu and Geoffrey Lee as interim co-CEOs of personal and private banking and Faisal Mkhize as CEO of business banking, effective 2 June. This follows Absa's December announcement to restructure its South African retail banking operations, reversing changes made under former CEO Arrie Rautenbach. The announcement comes shortly after Absa named Kenny Fihla as its new CEO, with Charles Russon remaining interim CEO until Fihla's arrival on 17 June. 'We're not here to entertain': Sharks boss Plumtree prepared to win 'ugly' Sharks coach John Plumtree is unconcerned with the aesthetics of his team's play as long as they secure a win in their URC quarter-final against Munster. Plumtree emphasises the importance of winning, even if it means playing "ugly", and focuses on key aspects like set pieces and defence rather than prioritising high scores. The Sharks will field a star-studded lineup, including 12 Springboks, for the crucial match against Munster, with Plumtree highlighting the benefit of having key players available. Durban's Metro FM Awards hosting in limbo as talks for R30 million bid 'still under way' Metro FM says negotiations are ongoing regarding the host of the next Metro FM Music Awards. The eThekwini municipality reportedly earmarked R30 million over three years to host the awards. This comes after KZN withdrew from hosting the 2023 South African Music Awards.
Zawya
3 days ago
- General
- Zawya
Justice Committee Chairperson Commends National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for Successful Prosecution and Life Sentences
The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development, Mr Xola Nqola, has commended the entire team that secured life sentences for all three accused in the human trafficking of the young Joshlin Smith. 'We can see that it was all hands-on deck to ensure justice for this little girl. The sentencing in this case is a critical step in the pursuit of justice for Joshlin and a stern reminder that our legal system will not tolerate crimes against children. While no sentence can undo the pain and loss, the committee trusts that this outcome reaffirms society's collective commitment to upholding the rights and dignity of every child in South Africa,' said Mr Nqola. Joshlin disappeared in February 2024. South African had to face the heart-breaking reality that her mother, Ms Kelly Smith, alongside her partner Mr Jacquen Appollis and friend Mr Steveno van Rhyn, sold her for R20,000. He said these sentences should send out the message that South Africa will not be a breeding ground for child trafficking. This is what the legislature had in mind with the Prevention and Combating of Trafficking in Persons Act, Mr Nqola said, when it made provision for stiff penalties for robbing people of their freedom of movement. It is a heinous crime. 'Furthermore, we want to appreciate all the role players – the judiciary, the National Prosecuting Authority, and law enforcement agencies and the community at large – for their tireless efforts to ensure justice is seen to be done. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.
IOL News
3 days ago
- IOL News
Social media reacts to sentencing of trio found guilty of child trafficking in Joshlin Smith case
Sentences were passed down on the accused in the much-followed case of missing girl, Joshlin Smith. While many praised the judge, quite a few thought that the sentences, although the maximum, were too lenient. Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. @womenforchange5 Joshlin Smith's three convicted kidnappers Kelly Smith, Jacquen Appollis, and Steveno van Rhyn have been sentenced to life imprisonment for human trafficking and 10 years for kidnapping. Joshlin, please come home @ClaudetteGGibs1 I have been following Joslin's story since the beginning. Today, her mother, the mother's boyfriend, and one other person have been sentenced to life in imprisonment for human trafficking and 10 years for kidnapping. They still have not found her body. May Joslin RIP. @XFactor079 The accused in the Joshlin Smith case were sentenced to Life Imprisonment for Human Trafficking and Kidnapping. Justice finally prevails @NubianIvory11 This is one calm Judge. Nathan Erasmus carried this trial with poise ... @masthibo There are no mitigating factors in the Joshlin Smith case. The girl is still missing and presumed dead while Smith, van Rhyn and Appollis still don't want to come clean even after conviction. @BladesSpookie Judge Erasmus, we thank you as South Africans for the verdict today. Justice for Joshlin Smith @IOL 'You go as far as to blame your parents for your conduct in this matter. We know from February 19, 2024, the lack of concern you have shown.' – Judge Nathan Erasmus' seething remarks on Kelly Smith.' @Laureasons_ Joshlin Smiths mother was sentenced to life in prison. A small consolation for what she'd done to that poor little girl. @zekewareley Today, #JoshlinSmith, who disappeared 15 months ago from Saldanha Bay, gets the justice that she deserves. But, the worst part is that she remains missing. @vbthoughts_001 Joshlin Smith: The accused have been dealt with. Life imprisonment and an additional 10 years for kidnapping. Justice may be served on paper, but is this enough for a little girl who is still missing? @mirriamp Thank you to the Western Cape High Court for bringing this trial closer to the community that still live the trauma of the disappearance of Joslin Smith and the mother implicated. @visse_ss Joshlin Smith's three convicted kidnappers sentenced to life imprisonment for human trafficking and 10 years for kidnapping. Not enough! DAILY NEWS
eNCA
3 days ago
- eNCA
Child Protection Week raises concerns over safety of children in SA
GQEBERHA- As Child Protection Week kicks off, two high-profile cases have reignited public concern over the safety of children. Life sentences were handed down on Thursday to Kelly Smith, her boyfriend and his friend over the disappearance of Joshlin Smith. WATCH | Suspect allegedly confessed to killing Olorato Mongale Meanwhile, the suspects in the Olorato Mongale murder case had been released on bail in other cases where they are yet to face justice.
