Joslin Smith case resumes in court on WEDNESDAY

Four people, including Kelly Smith and her boyfriend, is expected back in the Vredenburg Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday in connection with the disappearance of Joslin Smith (6).

JOSLIN SMITH: MOTHER AND THREE OTHERS IN COURT TOMORROW

The four, Jacquen Rowhan Appollis, Steveno Dumaizio van Rhyn, Racquel Chantel Smith (Kelly) and Phumza Sigaqa appeared in court last week facing charges of trafficking persons for the purposes of exploitation and kidnapping.

The matter was postponed to 13 March 2024 for their formal bail applications. More charges is possible.

All four suspects remained in custody until the bail information hearing.

Joslin, from Diazville in Saldanha Bay, went missing on 19 February 2024 while in the care of her mother’s boyfriend.

MORE ARRESTS ARE ON THE CARDS

The search for Joslin, which is still underway, 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. 

Police said the investigation is gaining momentum, and arrests are on the cards.

“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.

BLOODIED CLOTHING WAS FOUND A WEEK AGO

Police spokesperson Lt.Col. Malcolm Pojie said the 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 JOSLIN SMITH 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”.