Joslin Smith case: Was Kelly beat up in jail?

All eyes were on Joslin’s Smith mother, Kelly, on Wednesday as she took her spot in court, this time not only for her involvement in the disappearance of Joslin Smith but to see if there were any bruises visible.

JOSLIN SMITH: WAS KELLY ASSAULTED IN JAIL?

This comes after several reports surfaced earlier this week alleging that Kelly was assaulted in the Pollsmoor Prison.

But on Wednesday, there was no sign of any alleged assault on Kelly. She wore the same jacket she wore during the previous court appearance.

Department of Correctional Services has told the media that no assault has been reported.

NO SIGNS OF ASSAULT WERE VISIBLE ON WEDNESDAY

In a shocking turn of events, the state has withdrawn charges against Phumza Sigaqa. 

All four, Jacquen Rowhan Appollis, Steveno Dumaizio van Rhyn, Racquel Chantel Smith (Kelly), and Phumza Sigaqa, appeared in the Vredenburg Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday. 

Bail was abandoned for three remaining accused Jacquen Rowhan Appollis, Steveno Dumaizio van Rhyn and Racquel Chantel Smith (Kelly). They are expected back in court on 13 May 2024. 

The three face charges of trafficking persons for exploitation and kidnapping.

So, what do we know about the case so far? 

HERE IS EVERYTHING WE KNOW ABOUT THE CASE SO FAR: 

Here are the latest developments in the search:

• Patriotic Alliance leader Gayton Mckenzie said the reward has been increased to R500 000 after people reported sightings of Joslin in Mosselbay.
• Kelly Smith, her boyfriend, Jacquine [Boeta] Appolis, Steveno van Rhyn and Phumza Sigaqo are charged with human trafficking and kidnapping.
• 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.
• Earlier this week the reward of R20 000 was increased to R250 000. It is now R500 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”.