CAPE TOWN- In a dramatic twist in the case of missing six-year-old Joshlin Smith, her class teacher, Edna Maart, has testified in the Western Cape High Court that the child’s mother, Kelly Smith, claimed Joshlin was being transported to West Africa by boat.

Maart revealed that the day after Joshlin Smith vanished, Kelly had confided in her at a petrol station, stating that she had received a call from a Nigerian man. According to Maart, Kelly said the man informed her that Joshlin was in a container on a boat headed for West Africa. Kelly allegedly claimed she was warned to act quickly but expressed fear of informing the police due to concerns that the community might harm her.

Maart, who was helping search for Joshlin, recalled being shocked by the revelation. Kelly reportedly told her that her boyfriend, Jacquen ‘Boeta’ Appollis, was “not guilty,” though Maart had not known him at the time.

The teacher’s testimony added a new dimension to the case, which has seen Kelly Smith, her boyfriend Appollis, and accomplice Steveno ‘Steffie’ van Rhyn charged with kidnapping and human trafficking.

The case was heard at the Western Cape High Court, sitting at the White City Multipurpose Centre, with the trio appearing in court. Smith’s lawyer, Rinesh Sivnarain, stated that Kelly had identified the Nigerian man as Johan and described him as a “medium.”

Maart further recounted how she was alerted to Joshlin’s disappearance around 4:30 am via a WhatsApp message from another parent. Kelly later confirmed her daughter was missing but did not provide clear answers about Joshlin’s whereabouts when questioned.

The case has been adjourned as the investigation continues.