Joslin Smith court case update: No bail for three of the accused

Bail was abandoned for three of the four accused, including Joslin Smith’s mother, Kelly, on Wednesday.

In a shocking turn of events, the state has withdrawn charges against accused number Phumza Sigaqa.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

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

STATE WITHDREW CHARGES AGAINST FOURTH SUSPECT

Earlier on Wednesday, police used stun grenades and tear gas to disperse an angry crowd outside the court. 

An angry crowd of hundreds of community members has gathered outside the Vredenburg Magistrates Court in support of missing six-year-old Joslin Smith. 

AN ANGRY CROWD HAS GATHERED OUTSIDE THE COURT 

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

The petition, a Change.org petition, was started by June Major five days ago.

ALL FOUR ARE EXPECTED IN COURT ON WEDNESDAY

“We demand that bail be denied to the four suspects currently held in custody related to Joslin’s case. This should extend to any other individuals who may be implicated as investigations proceed. We insist on thoroughness; no stone must be left unturned until Joslin is found,”- the petition said.

THE PETITION IS TO DEMAND THAT BAIL BE DENIED

It furthermore said the denial of bail would send a strong message that ‘such atrocities will not be tolerated within our society.’

At the time of publishing, the petition has gathered about 22 451 signatures.

THE SEARCH FOR JOSLIN SMITH (6) IS STILL ONGOING

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

Meanwhile, community members plan to attend the court appearance dressed in white t-shirts on Wednesday.

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 Mossel Bay.
• 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. 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”.

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