Latest News & Developments
human smuggling and trafficking
Families reunited after Myanmar trafficking ordeal
According to the Hawks, some of the South African victims suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder as a result of their ordeal and only wanted to be reunited with their families.
Repatriation of trafficked South Africans highlights ongoing human trafficking issues
Twenty-three South Africans have returned home after being lured to Myanmar with false job promises, held captive, and forced to work in cybercrime compounds. Their rescue highlights South Africa's improving but still inadequate response to human trafficking, as the country moves up to Tier 2 in global trafficking rankings.
Joshlin Smith trial: Week four highlights and key testimonies
Week four of the Joshlin Smith kidnapping trial erupted with explosive allegations of police assault, a State witness collapsing mid-testimony, and the revelation that Joshlin's mother claimed the child was 'gone' just one week after her disappearance. Defence lawyers now claim confessions were coerced through violence.
Allegations of torture and coercion in Joshlin Smith case confessions
Defence attorneys in the Joshlin Smith disappearance case contend that confessions were obtained through coercion and torture, bringing serious allegations against the accused to light during the trial.
Defence claims torture and coercion in Joshlin Smith confessions
Defence attorneys in the Joshlin Smith case claim confessions were obtained through torture and coercion, with allegations of physical abuse and intimidation. Detective Captain Wesley Lombard denies these claims as the trial reveals disturbing details about how statements were obtained from the accused.
Key testimony in Joshlin Smith case: Arrests of mother and co-accused revealed
Detective Captain Wesley Lombard's testimony reveals the dramatic confrontation that led to the arrests in the Joshlin Smith case, including how the child's mother Kelly Smith broke down when her boyfriend implicated her in the six-year-old's disappearance.
Dramatic testimony reveals arrest of Joshlin Smith's mother and co-accused
Detective Captain Wesley Lombard's testimony reveals the dramatic confrontation that led to the arrests in the Joshlin Smith case, including how the child's mother Kelly Smith broke down when her boyfriend implicated her in the six-year-old's disappearance.
'When did you finally tell the truth?' Lourentia Lombaard grilled in Joshlin Smith trial
"In the Joshlin Smith trial, the lawyer for Racquel ‘Kelly’ Smith questions the witness's delay in reporting to the police, highlighting critical inconsistencies in her testimony.
Key Joshlin trial witness falls ill during grueling cross-examination
As Lombaard was pressed further, particularly regarding her confession to Captain Cilliers at Saldanha Bay police station in March 2024, the witness suddenly reported she was feeling dizzy.
'She thought I had an affair with Boeta': Lombaard collapses during trial
During the Joshlin Smith kidnapping trial, state witness Lourentia Lombaard dramatically collapsed after revealing jealousy between herself and Kelly Smith over an alleged affair with Boeta Appollis. Her medical emergency halted cross-examination that was challenging her credibility regarding claims that the missing 6-year-old was sold for R20 000.
'She thought I had an affair with Boeta': Key witness collapses during Joshlin Smith trial
During the Joshlin Smith kidnapping trial, state witness Lourentia Lombaard dramatically collapsed after revealing jealousy between herself and Kelly Smith over an alleged affair with Boeta Appollis. Her medical emergency halted cross-examination that was challenging her credibility regarding claims that the missing 6-year-old was sold for R20 000.
Joshlin Smith trial | accused claims police torture and kidnapping
After returning to the second-hand dealer with his microwave and declining the R30 offer, van Rhyn went back to Boeta's house, where he found Boeta and Renz still present. He and Renz negotiated and agreed to purchase her cell phone for R50.
Joshlin Smith Trial: Mother's testimony raises alarming questions and inconsistencies
Kelly Smith's testimony in the Joshlin Smith kidnapping trial reveals disturbing contradictions about her actions on the day of her daughter's disappearance, including admitted drug use and delayed reporting, and how she prioritised buying drugs and gas over searching for her missing child.
Joshlin Smith trial | accused detail drug use and alleged police torture
He stated the children were being washed in a bucket when Kelly came home after midday. She had R50 and they went to the merchant where they purchased tik.
Key developments to anticipate on day three of the Joshlin Smith trial
On the third day of the Joshlin Smith trial, significant developments are expected as the defence prepares to cross-examine pivotal witnesses.
Key takeaways from day two of the Joshlin Smith trial
Discover the pivotal moments from Day Two of the Joshlin Smith trial, where key witnesses reveal shocking testimonies in a case of kidnapping and human trafficking.
Revelations from Kelly Smith's statement in Joshlin Smith trial
In a gripping turn of events, Kelly Smith's statement to police is unveiled during the Joshlin Smith trial, shedding light on the circumstances surrounding the child's disappearance.
Trial begins for Joshlin Smith's kidnapping: Mother and co-accused plead not guilty
As the trial of Joshlin Smith's kidnapping commences, the community unites in hope for justice. Her mother Kelly Smith and two co-accused have pleaded not guilty.
Community awaits justice as trial of Joshlin Smith's kidnapping begin
As the trial of Joshlin Smith begins, the community holds its breath, hoping for answers in the heartbreaking case of the missing child.
Lured with promise of job: Traditional healer charged with human trafficking of 17-year-old girl
A traditional healer faces serious charges after allegedly trafficking a 17-year-old girl from Mozambique to South Africa under false pretences, promising her work in a salon.
Joshlin Smith's kidnapping trial scheduled for March 3 in Saldanha Bay
Residents of Saldanha Bay express relief as the trial of Joshlin Smith's alleged kidnappers is set to take place in their community, bringing hope for justice.
Keeping hope alive, one year after Joshlin Smith’s disappearance
One year has passed since the heartbreaking disappearance of Joshlin Smith, a case that continues to haunt those who seek justice for missing children.
‘She realised the truth needed to come out,’ says cousin of former accused linked to Joshlin Smith's disappearance
Cousin of Lourentia Lombaard shares insights into the ongoing search for missing Joshlin Smith, revealing the emotional turmoil and hope for justice.
WATCH: ‘I don’t feel like Joshlin is dead,’ says grandma Lauretta Yon on the one-year anniversary of her disappearance
One year after the disappearance of Joshlin Smith, her grandmother Lauretta Yon shares her unwavering hope and the community's ongoing search for the beloved girl.
Joshlin Smith's kidnapping trial moves to Saldanha Bay: community awaits justice
In a significant development, the trial for missing person Joshlin Smith will be held in her community, as Judge Gayaat Da Silva Salie prioritises justice and accessibility for the public.