Joshlin Smith disappearance: State says ready for trial as case transfers to WC High Court
Joshlin's mother, Kelly Smith, along with Jacquen Appolis, Stevano van Rhyn, and Lourencia Lombaard, will make another appearance in the Vredenburg Magistrates Court later Monday morning.
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 in the Vredenburg Magistrates court on 15 July 2024. Picture: Kayleen Morgan/Eyewitness News
CAPE TOWN - The kidnapping and human trafficking case against Kelly Smith and three co-accused for the disappearance of six-year-old Joshlin Smith is set to be transferred to the Western Cape High Court on Monday.
Joshlin's mother, Smith along with Jacquen Appolis, Stevano van Rhyn, and Lourencia Lombaard will make another appearance in the Vredenburg Magistrates Court on Monday morning.
When the four accused were last in the dock, the State requested more time to investigate the matter.
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The State is expected to transfer the case against Smith and her three co-accused from the Vredenburg Magistrates Court to the Western Cape High Court on Monday.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said while the investigation against the accused is still ongoing, the State is ready for trial.
The NPA said Smith, Appolis, Van Rhyn, and Lombaard will be handed an indictment and summary of facts when they appear in court before the matter is transferred to the High Court.
A small group of Saldanha Bay residents are still searching for Joshlin, who has now been missing for seven months.