As the State readies itself to have the human trafficking case of missing six-year-old Joshlin Smith tried in the Western Cape High Court, it has indicated that more evidence has emerged requiring further investigation.
On Monday, the four accused – Jacquen Appolis, Steveno van Rhyn and Raquel “Kelly” Smith (Joshlin’s mother) and Lourentia Lombard –appeared on charges of trafficking in persons for the purpose of exploitation and kidnapping at the Vredenburg Magistrate’s Court.
State prosecutor Aradhana Heeramun requested a postponement for further investigation as they were still awaiting results from forensic evidence obtained.
The matter is expected to be back in court on September 16, when the State is expected to confirm its readiness for trial in the high court.
The accused will remain in custody until their next court appearance.
The accused’s legal counsel said they had no objection to the postponement shortly after Smith raised her hand in court to speak to her legal aid lawyer.
National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila said more evidence had come to light in the matter and this required further investigation.
“We are also attending to other administrative matters and when we come back on September 16, we will give the letter to this court to tell the court we are taking the matter to the high court,” said Ntabazalila.
Probed about reports of Smith’s pregnancy, Ntabazalila said they “are not in a position to comment on that...her medical records are private”.
Meanwhile, community members outside the court called on the authorities to release the accused back into the community, saying they would “deal with them”.
Vredenburg resident Derrick van den Heever said that as a father he was frustrated with the lack of speed in the case.
“We had searched the streets for four weeks without the assistance of the police. They were handed evidence and what have they done with it? We want answers.
“Why has the child not been found yet? She is still missing and we are nowhere closer to finding her. We are angry. As much as they are in court, we still want Joshlin to be found,” said Van den Heever.
Joshlin, a Grade 1 learner at Diazville Primary School in Saldanha, went missing on February 19. According to information, Smith had left Joshlin in the care of her boyfriend, Appolis, at the time of the child’s disappearance.
The State alleges that Joshlin was sold for R20 000.
Cape Times