‘AYANDA IS NOT A SUSPECT’

CLAIMS that Ayanda Litoni is the mastermind behind Joshlin Smith’s disappearance were shut down in the Western Cape High Court trial yesterday. 

Litoni has been mentioned several times in the case, as the boyfriend of former accused and now State witness, Lourentia Lombaard.

Steveno “Steffie” van Rhyn, one of the accused of the kidnapping and trafficking of Joshlin, along with the child’s mother Kelly Smith and her berk  Jacquen “Boeta” Appollis, claimed Litoni was a sangoma and alluded to him being behind the sale of the meisie. 

Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie also claimed that Ayanda played a role in an explosive Sunday night video post.  

But Brigadier Leon Hanana, the Western Cape head of the Serious and Violent Crimes Unit, on Wednesday said Litoni was not on their list of suspects as he was grilled on the possibility that police may have overlooked a suspect.

Hanana, the Western Cape head of the Serious and Violent Crimes Unit, was cross-examined by Nobahle Mkabayi, lawyer for Van Rhyn, during the trial within a trial.

This stems from Boeta and Steffie claiming they were assaulted and tortured by police during their questioning.

This does not affect Kelly Smith.

The trial within a trial determines whether any assault has taken place and will be conducted to rule after the matter has concluded. It is important to note that this is separate from the main trial.

Hanana testified he became involved with the case on 19 February 2024, the day Joshlin was reported missing. 

He said: “If Ayanda’s version was not acceptable to investigators, he would have been complicit and he would have been in this court.

He stated that all persons of interest were interviewed, their alibis were followed up on, and the investigating team checked all information. 

Mkabayi questioned: “Are you aware Ayanda was chauffeured with a police vehicle from Saldanha to Cape Town?

Hanana replied: “I remember there were talks about threats against suspects. I am aware. It was on a Saturday, and he was taken away for his safety to a relative in Cape Town."

Mkabayi then asked if all citizens were allowed this preferential treatment, and Hanana said: “If a potential witness was in danger, arrangements can be made to have a witness transported overnight to another province for safety, especially in high-profile matters.”

Judge Nathan Erasmus stated that while Litoni’s name was not on the witness list, there was a list with names and addresses that were withheld.

Mkabayi further asked why there was no statement given by Litoni.

Hanana told the court: “He’s name came up a lot. We had to make sure we had to follow up. When his version was followed up, there was no need for a statement.”

The trial continues.