NPA will disclose a confession related to Joshlin's kidnapping

JOHANNESBURG - The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said that a confession related to how six-year-old Joshlin Smith was allegedly kidnapped and human trafficked will eventually be disclosed in court.  

The case against Joshlin's mother, Racquel Smith, Jacquen Appollis, Steveno van Rhyn and Lourentia Lombaard was back in court on Monday.

READ: Detectives questioning four people linked to the disappearance of Joshlin Smith, police confirm

Lombaard  who was the last of the accused to be arrested is said to have made a confession after she was questioned about her involvement in Joshlin's disappearance.

The matter has been postponed for further investigations.

The four accused made a brief appearance in the Vredenburg Magistrates Court as the state sought more time to complete the probe.

NPA regional spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila said that the state is still reviewing a forensic report and cellphone data analysis taken from Lombaard.

Ntabazalila said that at this stage the state cannot reveal anything about Lombaard's confession but that it could change in future.

"As was mentioned in court there was a confession that she made, but unfortunately that confession we cannot speak about now, as the trial has not started. It may come up if one of them applies for bail, especially her."
   
Ntabazalila said that the case could also be transferred to another court depending on the outcome of the state's investigation.