Joshlin Smith kidnapping & human trafficking case back in court
Police are still searching for the six-year-old girl, who disappeared from her home in Middelpos, Saldanha Bay over three months ago.
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 - The kidnapping and human trafficking case related to missing six-year-old Joshlin Smith is set to continue in the Vredenburg Magistrates Court on Monday.
Police are still searching for the little girl after she disappeared from her home in Middelpos, Saldanha Bay more than three months ago.
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Racquel Smith, who is Joshlin's mother, Jacquen Appolis, Stevano van Rhyn, and Lourentia Lombaard have been arrested and hauled before the court to account for the girl's disappearance.
The four accused have abandoned their bail applications as tensions in the Middelpos and Diazville communities continue to soar.
Recently, police had to intervene to prevent a clash between the two communities who began accusing each other of being involved in Joshlin's disappearance.
Officers said DNA results showed that the blood-stained clothing items found in an open field near Middelpos did not belong to Joshlin.
Lombaard, who was the last of the accused to be arrested, has since made a confession and the State will on Monday update the court on the status of the investigation.