This was revealed on Monday in the Vredenburg Magistrates’ Court where Joshlin’s mother, Racquel Chantel Smith, and her co-accused, boyfriend Jacquin Rowhan Appollis, Steveno Van Rhyn and Lourentia Lombard, appeared briefly.
The matter was remanded to 16 September, at which point the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) will deliver a letter to the Vredenburg Magistrates’ Court, informing it that the case will be transferred to the Western Cape High Court. The State will also hand over the indictment to the accused, outlining the charges against them.
The four accused are charged with trafficking and kidnapping for the purpose of exploitation. Lombard has made a confession which will only be made public once read into the record during the trial.
The Grade 1 Diazville Primary School pupil went missing from the Middelpos informal settlement on 19 February. Police investigations indicate that on that day Joshlin’s mother dropped her off with her boyfriend at about 8am and went to work. When she returned at 5pm, Joshlin was gone.
Joshlin’s mother, Racquel Smith, making her way into the Vredenburg Magistrates’ Court. (Photo: Vincent Cruywagen)
Racquel Kelly Smith in court in Vredenburg on 7 March 2024. (Photo: Brenton Geach / Gallo Images)
An extensive search across Middelpos by the police K9 Unit, NGOs and volunteers, going door to door and searching drains, while a helicopter focused on inaccessible areas and rescue boats went out.
Outside court on Monday, residents said they didn’t know who to turn to, because if the police couldn’t find Joshlin, how could they? They resumed the search after the court proceedings.
‘Confession rumours swirl as fourth suspect arrested in Joshlin Smith disappearance case’
On Monday the State requested a further postponement for further investigation, forensic reports and data analysis of the accused’s cellphones.
There is still no trace of six-year-old Joshlin Smith of Saldanha Bay. (Photo: Supplied)
Following the brief appearance, Western Cape NPA spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila said new evidence had emerged. He did not want to reveal any information about this, but said that depending on the outcome of the investigation, “one cannot rule out additional charges or a new accused being added to the docket”.
“When we come back on the 16 September the State will hand over a letter advising the court that the matter will be transferred to the Western Cape High Court. At the next court appearance the accused will be handed an indictment,” he said.
Ntabazalila also appealed to anyone with information that might help the investigation to contact the police. DM
Daily Maverick
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