Cape Town — The four suspects involved in the heartbreaking disappearance of six-year-old, Joshlin Smith, are set to appear in court this morning after being held in police custody since last week.
The Saldanha Bay community wait with more faith than hope that Joshlin will be found and returned home safely. She has now been missing for nearly one month since she went missing on 19 February.
Joshlin’s mother, Racquel “Kelly” Smith, her boyfriend Jacquin Appolis, 31, Steveno van Rhyn, 27, and Phumza Sigaqa will again appear in the Vredenburg Magistrate’s Court for their second court appearance.
The matter was postponed to today (13 March) in the event that any of the accused apply for bail, but the State indicated it would deny any bail applications, IOL reported.
Searches have intensified with police spokesperson, Jacob Swartbooi, saying all leads were being followed up.
“The team of investigators assigned to the case are pursuing all available leads and they respond to information at their disposal in a bid to ensure a breakthrough,” said Swartbooi.
Meanwhile, in a distressing video on TikTok, one of the accused, Steveno Van Rhyn, said in an interview with Patriotic ALliance (PA) leader, Gayto McKenzie, that Kelly’s first thoughts when she returned home from work on the day Joshline disappaered, was to look for a “sakkie” tik (bag of tik), The Citizen said.
Van Rhyn said he and Jacquin were smoking buttons (mandrax) with another woman who asked Joshlin to check on her own child. When Kelly returned, he said Joshlin was not in their thoughts.
The court will await the quartet’s appearance on Wednesday 13 March.
@bringjoslinhome My heart is breaking even more.. But im here to keep the upsates going foe you guys😟🙏🏻 #joslinsmith #investigation #bringherhome ♬ original sound – new user
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen
