Cape Town — Kelly Smith, the mother of missing six-year old, Joshlin Smith, is among four suspects charged with human trafficking and kidnapping.
Smith, along with her boyfriend, Jacquin Appollis, appeared in the Vredenburg Magistrate’s Court on Thursday morning along with two other suspects, Steveno Van Rhyn and Phumza Sigaqa. During the brief session, the court confirmed the group all face two new charges – human trafficking and kidnapping.
The court proceedings were postponed to 13 March, and the suspects will remain in custody until that date, to allow further investigations for the bail applications of the accused.
Western Cape Community Safety MEC Reagen Allen said they were “one step closer” to finding Joshlin and finding out what actually happened to her.
“We are still keeping hope alive knowing that we want to find Joshlin unharmed. I am aware that further charges can be added to the charge sheet and we will be closely working with the police to ensure that no stone is left unturned,” said Allen.
[WATCH] Western Cape Community Safety MEC Ragan Allen says they are one step closer to finding Joslin Smith or what happened to her. The four suspects arrested in connection with her disappearance face charges of human trafficking and kidnapping.#Newzroom405 pic.twitter.com/Mu7hxTV1Lk
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) March 7, 2024
During the brief session, it was revealed that the Western Cape police Commissioner Thembisile Patekile said they are urging the public to help with the search.
“As the investigation continues, we can add as many charges as the investigation unfolds. The important thing is to find the child so we can make closure. As long as we don’t have the child, we are not closing that part of the investigation. The assistance we are looking for is for everyone to assist us to find the child, but not to spread incorrect information, because that is not assisting us.” Patekile said
According to EWN, National prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson, Eric Ntabazalila says the State is still gathering evidence against the accused who have been remanded in custody.
Police said the search for Joshlin has now intensified as new details about her possible whereabouts have emerged.
The suspects linked to the disappearance of 6-year-old Joslin Smith will remain behind bars until they apply for bail on March 13. The suspects, including Joslin’s mother, appeared briefly in the Vredenburg Magistrate’s Court. @Nasiphi_Same has more.https://t.co/73FmG8Ur47 pic.twitter.com/8fTFNR8y9I
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) March 7, 2024
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen
