Social Worker Vanishes from Court
Reporter – Rix Ashley
SALDANHA BAY:- The Western Cape High Court sitting in Saldanha was thrown into disarray this morning, during the resumed sentencing of the accused in the Joshlin Smith case.
What was meant to be a day of crucial testimony turned into confusion and concern after Errol Pieterson, the social worker tasked with compiling all three victim impact reports, mysteriously vanished from the courthouse.
Pieterson was seen on court premises earlier in the day, but left without notice or explanation just before proceedings began. His disappearance caused significant delays and forced Judge Erasmus to issue a scathing rebuke, describing the incident as “totally unacceptable.”
The Department of Social Development attempted to request a postponement, but the Judge’s registrar quickly stepped in, issuing a stern email warning of serious consequences should the proceedings be obstructed further.
Testimony from Dr. Van der Wat was expected to bring psychological insight into the trauma endured by the victims’ families, with a follow-up statement anticipated from a close relative of Mr. Van Rhyn. Instead, the courtroom found itself focused on Pieterson’s unexplained exit.
The sudden turn of events has raised serious questions:
Why did Errol Pieterson abscond? Was he threatened? Or is there something deeper at play?
Observers and supporters of the Smith family are calling for urgent answers, fearing that hidden truths may still lie beneath the surface of this already heart-wrenching case.
As the nation continues to cry out for justice for little Joshlin, the haunting question echoes:
What else remains hidden?
#JusticeForJoshlin #JoshlinSmith #BringJoshlinHome #PrayForJoshlin #SaUnite #RixAshleyReports #CCNInvestigates
