Carlo Petersen13 March 2024 | 9:05

Joshlin Smith case: Charges against one of the accused dropped

The six-year-old's mother and three others appeared in the Vredenburg Magistrates Court for bail application on Wednesday.

Joshlin Smith case: Charges against one of the accused dropped

Missing six-year-old Joshlin Smith’s mother, Kelly Smith, her boyfriend Jacquen Appollis and along with two other suspects - Steveno Van Rhyn and Phumza Sigaqa - appeared before the Vredenburg Magistrates court on 7 March 2024, where they were all charged with kidnapping and human trafficking in connection with the disappearance of Joshlin. Picture: Kayleen Morgan/Eyewitness News

CAPE TOWN - Charges against one of the accused in the case of missing Joshlin Smith have been withdrawn.

The six-year-old's mother and three others appeared in the Vredenburg Magistrates Court for bail application on Wednesday.

READ: Missing Joshlin Smith case: Police use stun grenades, teargas to disperse crowd gathered outside court

Joshlin's mother faces charges of kidnapping and human trafficking related to her daughter’s disappearance.

Kelly Smith and the two accused including her boyfriend remain in police custody.

But accused number four Phumza Sigaqa has been set free.

It’s been 23 days since the little girl went missing from her family home in Middelpos, Saldanha Bay.

She was left in the care of her mother’s boyfriend who could not account for the child's whereabouts.

The case has been postponed to 13 May.