Joshlin Smith: Case postponed, state says new evidence has emerged

CAPE TOWN - New evidence has emerged in the kidnapping and human trafficking case of missing six-year-old Joshlin Smith.

Joshlin has been missing for seven months after disappearing from her Middelpos home in Saldanha Bay in February. 

The little girl's mother, Kelly Smith, her mother's boyfriend Jacquen Appolis and two others made a brief appearance in the Vredenburg Magistrates Court on Monday morning.

The state sought another postponement for further investigation, saying new evidence had emerged against the four accused.

The matter was expected to be transferred to the Western Cape High Court, but National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson, Eric Ntabazalila said in light of the new evidence, investigators now needed more time wrap up their case.

"Between the last appearance and today [Monday] new evidence has come to light and we of course need to investigate that evidence, and that investigation is at a sensitive stage."

Ntabazalila refused to divulge any details about the new evidence.

"We can't speak about it. We've asked the court for a remand so we continue with the investigation. The magistrate said she's going to mark it final... We did not oppose that... We understand the frustration because it's taking some time to investigate the matter."

The matter is set to be back in court again on 21 October.