Detective Captain Wesley Lombard detailed how the investigation into Joshlin Smith’s disappearance was disrupted by misinformation and social media activity.
This was revealed as the trial into the missing six-year-old girl continues at the Western Cape High Court sitting in the White City Multipurpose Centre on Thursday afternoon.
Weeks after Joshlin’s disappearance, her mom Racquel ‘Kelly’ Smith, Jacquen ‘Boeta’ Appollis, Steveno ‘Steffie’ van Rhyn, and former accused Lourentia Lombaard were arrested and charged with kidnapping and human trafficking.
Charges were withdrawn against Lombaard as she turned State witness.
The detective testified that during the investigation, he found out that Kelly had been rumoured to be involved in prostitution.
“I followed up with the ladies in the same profession, thinking that the disappearance could have been linked to that but it was a dead end.
“We then found out that the accused were using drugs, so we followed that lead and spoke to a person named Gums, who admitted he sold drugs to them. That was also a dead end.”
Lombard said he observed that parts of the community worked against the police, spreading misinformation that the search had stopped after only a few days.
“This made gathering assistance more difficult. TikTok influencers appeared to have more influence than law enforcement, with live broadcasts sharing details of the investigation.
“This not only hindered police efforts but also posed a risk to Joshlin’s safety, as suspects in organised crime could monitor police activity and adjust their actions accordingly.
“Despite the lack of evidence confirming whether Joshlin was alive or dead, the police remained focused on finding her.
“However, the constant spread of false information and the demand for police transparency made it harder to conduct the investigation effectively.”
A video interview with Van Rhyn, in which he mentioned a sangoma and suggested Joshlin had been sold, further fuelled the community’s anger, making it unsafe for Lombaard and her boyfriend Ayanda Litoni.
“Before Minister of Police Bheki Cele arrived in Saldanha Bay, Kelly approached Lombard, appearing well-groomed, and said, “Sir, I’m famous, Joshlin made me famous.” Later, Cele met with Kelly at the police station, where officers briefed him on the investigation,” the detective stated. the trial continues.
Weekend Argus