Kelly Smith Kelly Smith is the mother of missing Joshlin Smith
Image: Henk Kruger/Independent Media
During cross-examination in the Joshlin Smith case, the defence counsel questioned the initial investigating officer, Sergeant Meyer Milstein, regarding Kelly Smith’s medication use at the time of her daughter’s disappearance.
Kelly Smith’s lawyer, Rinesh Sivnarain, challenged previous statements made by Sergeant Milstein. The officer had described the shack where Smith lived as messy and appearing sub-divided into two sections—a bedroom and a lounge area. However, Sivnarain clarified that both rooms were used as bedrooms.
He also explained why clothing was scattered in the home, stating, “My client had hoped Joshlin was hiding in the cupboards.” Addressing concerns about Joshlin’s flip-flops, he confirmed, “She had at least four pairs.”
Furthermore, Sivnarain stated that Kelly Smith was on prescribed medication, asserting, “By the time of Joshlin’s disappearance, she was taking antidepressants.”
However, Sergeant Milstein refuted this, stating, “I’m unaware of the antidepressants, but I do know she was regularly taking methamphetamine.”
When the defence highlighted that Kelly’s family advised her to remain calm so she could provide accurate information to the police, Milstein acknowledged, “That would be good advice.”
Presiding over the case, Judge Nathan Erasmus questioned Milstein about the range of evidence collected during the investigation.
Milstein confirmed that while numerous items had been gathered, only the most significant details were included in his five-page affidavit.
Judge Erasmus reassured the public that all leads are being followed up, even if they are not mentioned in court proceedings.
For the latest updates on the Joshlin Smith investigation, stay tuned to IOL News.
robin.francke@iol.co.za
IOL
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