The trial is taking place in the White City Multipurpose Centre.
Image: Robin-Lee Francke/IOL
There have been numerous questions as to why the Joshlin Smith kidnapping trial is being held in a community hall and not a courtroom.
One of the main reasons is that the community of Saldanha in the Western Cape does not have a court within the area.
The closest courthouse in the vicinity is in Vredenburg, a neighbouring area which is approximately 16 kilometres away.
On January 31, 2025, when the matter reached pre-trial in the Western Cape High Court in Cape Town, it was announced that the case would be moved.
While this is not something usually seen, the judiciary thought it fit to bring justice to the people of Saldanha.
At the time, Judge Gayaat Da Silva Salie said it was in the interest of the public.
Judge Da Silva Salie also stated that the community would like to attend proceedings, and this would be in the interest of justice to have residents access to the matter.
She said the matter would have to be enrolled in an appropriate venue.
"A municipal venue will have to be sought to hold the expected large-scale proceedings."
Members of the judiciary, police, and the local municipal authorities convened to check all safety aspects of the White City Multipurpose Centre to be used for the duration of proceedings.
All authorities also conducted a walk-through of the centre and a plan was outlined as per seating, sound and lighting.
Residents in Saldanha have welcomed this unprecedented move by the judiciary.
The residents of the area have been behind almost all search parties for Joshlin Smith. While this matter has united the community as never seen before, many are not financially by the means to travel daily to Cape Town to attend proceedings.
robin.francke@iol.co.za
IOL