UPDATE:
Four suspects connected to the disappearance of six-year-old Joslin Smith appeared in Vredenburg magistrate’s court on Monday.
The suspects include the girl’s mother, Racquel Chantel Smith (known as Kelly), her boyfriend Jacquin “Boeta” Appollis, friend Steveno van Rhyn, and Lourentia Lombard.
They face charges of kidnapping and human trafficking.
Joslin went missing from her home in Middlebos informal settlement, Saldanha Bay, on February 19 while under Boeta’s care while her mother was at work.
The court session aimed to discuss updates on the investigation, including pending forensic and cellphone evidence.
Kelly, who is pregnant with her fourth child, and the other suspects will face trial at the high court in Cape Town, with the case postponed until September 16.
Cape Town – Four suspects, including Joshlin Smith’s mother Kelly Smith and her boyfriend Jacquin Apollis, along with their alleged accomplices Steveno Van Rhyn and Lourentia Lombard, are back in court at the Vredenburg magistrate’s court.
The six-year-old Grade 1 pupil went missing nearly four months ago after being left in the care of her mother’s boyfriend at their home in Middelpos informal settlement.
Despite an intensive search and follow-up on all leads, authorities have yet to locate her.
Community volunteers continue to assist in the search efforts.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
