Investigation into Joslin Smith reaches critical phase

The case involving four suspects accused in the disappearance of six-year-old Joslin Smith will not proceed to the Western Cape High Court until October, due to the emergence of new evidence.

The South African previously reported that the young girl went missing from her home in Diazville, Saldanha Bay, on 19 February. At the time, she was under the care of her mother’s boyfriend.

JOSLIN SMITH CASE MOVES TO HIGH COURT

Joslin’s mother, Chantel Smith, her stepfather, Jacquin “Boeta” Appollis, and close friends Steveno van Rhyn and Lourentia Lombard face charges of kidnapping and human trafficking. 

The four have made numerous appearances at the Vredenburg Magistrate’s Court. They also abandoned their bail applications.

The matter was expected to move to the Western Cape High Court as the state indicated in July when the four appeared.

Following the brief appearance on Monday, National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson in the Western Cape Eric Ntabazalila said there is new evidence that has come to light and the investigation is at a sensitive stage.

“We asked the court to postpone the matter so that police can continue investigating the new evidence. We will come back on the 21st [of October] and we hope that by that time there will be something that has come out of the investigation and we’ll be able to plot our way forward,” he said.

The case involving Kelly Smith, her boyfriend Jacquin Appolis, and two others has been postponed to October 21. The group faces charges of kidnapping and human trafficking related to the disappearance of six-year-old Joshlin Smith.

EFF CRITICISES JUSTICE SYSTEM

In the court appearance in July, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) said the perpetual delays in Joslin Smith’s case prolong the family’s suffering and hinder the closure they deserve. 

The EFF said the disappearance of a child is a heinous crime that shakes the core of any society. Therefore, legal proceedings must be expedited to ensure timely justice for Joslin Smith and to prevent further harm to other vulnerable individuals. 

“It is already deeply unfortunate that only a handful of child kidnapping cases reach this point. Therefore, these perpetual delays expose a glaring weakness in our justice system, one that is profoundly in-dignifying and highlights the harsh reality that children’s lives do not matter in this country.