Joslin Smith’s mother charged with human trafficking
The four are charged human trafficking and kidnapping. The matter has been postponed to 13 March 2024 for their formal bail applications.
Four people including Kelly Smith and her boyfriend, appeared in the Vredenburg Magistrate’s Court on Thursday in connection with the disappearance of Joslin Smith (6).
BREAKING: JOSLIN SMIT’S MOTHER CHARGED WITH HUMAN TRAFFICKING
The four are charged human trafficking and kidnapping. The matter has been postponed to 13 March 2024 for their formal bail applications. More charges is possible.
All four suspects to remain in custody until bail information hearing.
According to police spokesperson Brigadier Novela Potelwa, the four people, two men and two women are aged between 26.
WATCH THE COURT APPEARANCE HERE:
4 suspects appear before the Vredenburg Magistrates’ Court for the disappearance of Joslin Smith https://t.co/POblhmGR3l
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) March 7, 2024
FOUR PEOPLE QUESTIONED BY POLICE
“Western Cape detectives are currently questioning four individuals as part of an extensive investigation into the disappearance of six-year-old Joslin Smith from Diazville in Saldanha Bay on the West Coast.”- Brigadier Novela Potelwa said.
Police added that the investigation is gaining momentum, and arrests are on the cards.
‘INVESTIGATION IS GAINING MOMENTUM AND ARRESTS ARE ON THE CARDS’
“The investigation saw the team of detectives visiting several places within the West Coast town and interviewing several other persons.
“The search for Joslin brought individuals, NGOs, community activists, police officials, neighbourhood watches and representatives from different spheres of government together in the quest to find the missing girl. For days, they searched and identified vast areas in Saldanha Bay.
“It is envisaged that as the investigation unfolds, light will be shed as to her whereabouts or what happened to her,”- Police spokesperson Brigadier Novela Potelwa said.
BLOODIED CLOTHING WAS FOUND OVER THE WEEKEND
“Clothing pieces, allegedly stained with blood, were discovered in an open field during random searches conducted on an open field late last night (Saturday),” – Lt.Col. Malcolm Pojie said.
Police spokesperson Lt.Col. Malcolm Pojie said on Sunday that results of the forensic lab of the clothing pieces, allegedly stained with blood, are not yet done.
He said the investigation team descended on the scene where the pieces of clothing were seized as part of the ongoing investigation.
“The clothing have been sent to our forensic laboratory for analysis.”
So, what do we know about the case so far?
HERE IS EVERYTHING WE KNOW ABOUT THE CASE SO FAR:
- Four people, two men and two women aged between 26 and 34, are being interviewed by the investigators.
- Bloodied clothing was found and has been sent for forensic testing.
- Despite extensive daily searches, there’s still no sign of the missing little girl.
- The City of Cape Town dispatched policing resources today. This includes investigators, K9 unit search dogs, Marine Unit members and watercraft, and experienced search and rescue volunteers. Drones will support these teams’ search efforts.
- The Western Cape’s social development department in Saldanha Bay has intervened to keep Joslin’s siblings safe.
- Police spokesperson Malcolm Pojie said the search for the six-year-old Joslin had been scaled down as no trace could be found despite all avenues and resources being exhausted.
- A reward of R20 000 has been increased to R250 000. This is offered for any information aiding the police in locating Joslin.
- Joslin’s mother, Kelly, was asked about allegations of drug abuse inside the family home. Kelly admitted that she and her boyfriend smoked tik, but said she had been “clean for a week since the disappearance of Joslin”.
ALSO READ: SASSA: How do South African pensions compare to the rest of Africa