Kelly Smith’s neighbor testifies: “I saw her pulling Joshlin into the shack to give her to the sangoma”

In a heartbreaking development in the disappearance of six-year-old Joshlin Smith, a key witness has come forward with a shocking testimony that could change the course of the investigation.

Kelly Smith, the mother of the missing child, has already been under heavy scrutiny from both the public and law enforcement.

Now, the words of a neighbor have added an explosive new layer to an already emotional and disturbing case.

According to the testimony, which was given during a preliminary hearing in front of local authorities, the neighbor claims she witnessed a chilling moment on the evening of Sunday, the day before Joshlin was officially reported missing.

“I saw Kelly pulling the little girl into her shack,” the neighbor stated.

“She was holding Joshlin tightly by the arm, and the child looked scared and confused. There was someone else inside waiting… a sangoma. I knew something was wrong the moment I saw it.”

The alleged event took place in the small, tightly packed community of Saldanha Bay — a place where everyone knows everyone, and where a child’s disappearance has sent shockwaves across the entire town.

Locals had initially rallied around Kelly, showing support in her search for Joshlin.

But as days turned into weeks, questions began to rise, and suspicions began to form.

Now, with this new eyewitness statement, the narrative has taken a dark turn.

The neighbor, whose identity has been withheld for her safety, said she didn’t come forward immediately because she was afraid.

“There’s fear in our community. People know who the sangomas are. And when you see something like that, you wonder if it’s even safe to speak.”

It was only after continued police presence and a growing feeling of guilt that she decided to report what she saw.

“I couldn’t stay silent any longer. That little girl deserves justice.”

The mention of a sangoma — a traditional healer often associated with spiritual practices in African culture — has stirred even more controversy.

While many sangomas are respected for their work in healing and ancestral guidance, there have been isolated cases where rogue individuals exploit traditional beliefs for harmful or criminal purposes.

Authorities are now investigating whether the sangoma involved in this case is registered, and whether he or she has a criminal history.

Police have neither confirmed nor denied the accuracy of the neighbor’s testimony, but sources close to the investigation say it aligns with other pieces of evidence being considered.

“We are taking every lead seriously,” an officer said.

“We are aware of the witness statement and are actively pursuing all angles of this case. Nothing is being ruled out.”

Meanwhile, the community has been left stunned and divided.

Some residents refuse to believe Kelly could be involved in her own daughter’s disappearance, citing her emotional breakdowns and repeated pleas for help.

“She was crying every day, knocking on doors, asking if anyone had seen Joshlin,” one neighbor said.

“She looked like a grieving mother.”

Others, however, now believe her tears were a performance.

“If this witness is telling the truth, then Kelly has been lying to all of us. And that’s unforgivable,” another resident said.

Some have even demanded that Kelly be officially charged, but legal experts caution that testimony alone is not enough.

“We need physical evidence. Eyewitness accounts are powerful, but they must be corroborated,” one legal analyst commented.

Joshlin’s father, who has remained mostly silent during the investigation, has reportedly been informed of the neighbor’s claims.

Family friends say he is devastated and struggling to process the possibility that someone so close to his daughter could have been involved.

“He’s broken,” a relative stated.

“He trusted Kelly to protect Joshlin. Now he’s wondering if she was the one who put her in harm’s way.”

In the wake of the testimony, police have increased their efforts to locate the sangoma allegedly involved.

A description has been circulated, and officers have begun interviewing known traditional healers in the area.

So far, no arrests have been made, but authorities have confirmed that new search warrants are being issued.

At the heart of this investigation remains one pressing question: Where is Joshlin Smith?

Despite extensive searches, community patrols, and national media attention, the little girl has yet to be found.

And as the days go by, hope is slowly giving way to anguish.

But with new witnesses stepping forward and the investigation gaining momentum, there’s renewed determination to uncover the truth.

Whether Kelly Smith is guilty, complicit, or simply misunderstood remains to be proven in court.

What’s certain is that the eyes of an entire nation are now watching — waiting for justice, waiting for answers, and most of all, waiting for Joshlin.

For now, the case remains open, the search continues, and the pain deepens.

But in the shadows of Saldanha Bay, a small community refuses to give up.

Because somewhere out there, a little girl is still missing.

And someone knows exactly where she is.

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