Joslin Smith case: Latest suspect appears in court
The woman was arrested on Friday, 15 March and appeared at the Vredenburg Magistrates Court on Monday, 18 March.
A 32-year-old woman who was arrested recently in connection with the disappearance of six-year-old Joslin Smith has been remanded in custody.
The woman was arrested on Friday, 15 March and appeared at the Vredenburg Magistrates Court on Monday, 18 March.
WOMAN CHARGED IN CASE OF MISSING JOSLIN SMITH
As previously reported by The South African, the six-year-old 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.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) and other law enforcement agencies have deployed officers and resources to assist in the search.
On Monday, Lourencia Lombaard also from Saldanha Bay was charged with kidnapping and human trafficking. Lombard will return to court on Monday, 25 March for a bail application.
Joslin’s mother Kelly Smith, her boyfriend are among the suspects arrested in connection with the disappearance of Joslin. Allegations have surfaced that she was allegedly sold for R20 000.
All the three accused have abandoned their bail applications.
[WATCH] Fourth suspect, Loretta Lombard, arrested in connection with the disappearance of Joshlin Smith, makes her first appearance in the Vredenburg Magistrate’s Court.#Newzroom405 pic.twitter.com/yGcBeXGxwx
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) March 18, 2024
STATE WITHDRAWS CHARGES AGAINST PHUMZA SIGAQA
On Wednesday, 13 March, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) confirmed that the State dropped charges against Phumza Sigaqa.
NPA spokesperson in the Western Cape Eric Ntabazalila said there is no evidence against her but as the investigation is ongoing, charges may be reinstated at a later stage.
The search for little Joslin Smith is ongoing and she is yet to be found.
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