Joslin Smith update: Four accused to remain behind bars

The four briefly appeared before the Vredenburg Magistrate’s court on Monday morning.

THE FOUR ACCUSED MADE A BRIEF APPEARANCE IN COURT

They include Joslin’s mother, Kelly Smith, and her boyfriend, Jacquen Appollis.

 According to reports,  a handful of supporters waited in anticipation for the court proceedings to start.

They face charges of trafficking in persons with the purpose of exploitation and kidnapping.

Smith reported six-year-old Joslin’s disappearance from their home in Saldanha Bay in February, telling police she left the child in the care of Appollis when she went to work.

THE MATTER WAS POSTPONED TO JULY

The hearing was postponed for the continuation of investigations.

“This matter has been, by agreement between your attorneys, postponed to the 15th of July for further investigation,” the magistrate said. 

“You will be in custody until then, and hopefully, on the next date, the investigation will be completed.

WHAT IS THE LATEST IN THE CASE OF MISSING JOSLIN SMITH? 

According to police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg the case remains under investigation. 

He added that there are no new developments to report at this stage.

Meanwhile, Patriotic Alliance leader Gayton McKenzie the reward of R1 million for information that could help find Joslin is still on the table.

THE R1 MILLION REWARD IS STILL ON THE TABLE  

He said they receive a lot of anonymous calls and messages from people enquiring if the reward is still on offer. 

“I want to publicly state again that the offer is still standing; whoever tells us where Joshlin is shall be paid one million rands immediately without any questions asked; at this stage, we just want our rainbow daughter. 

“The one million is yours if you know where Joshlin is. Pls find it in your heart to come out with the truth because somewhere out there is someone who knows something.” 

HERE IS WHAT WE KNOW ABOUT THE MISSING CASE OF JOSLIN SMITH 

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

The search for Joslin, which is still ongoing, brought individuals, NGOs, community activists, police officials, neighbourhood watches and representatives from different spheres of government together in the quest to find the missing Joslin.

HERE IS EVERYTHING WE KNOW ABOUT THE CASE SO FAR: 

Here are the latest developments in the search:

• Six-year-old Joslin was last seen on Monday, 19 February. She was officially reported missing on 20 February.
• Patriotic Alliance leader Gayton Mckenzie said the reward will be increased to R1 million on Monday. 
• Joslin’s school, Diazville Primary School, has urged parents to keep a close eye on their “precious possessions”.
• Last week, a 32-year-old woman was also formally charged with kidnapping and human trafficking.
• Kelly Smith, her boyfriend, Jacquine (Boeta) Appolis, Steveno van Rhyn, and Phumza Sigaqo are charged with human trafficking and kidnapping.
• The trio is expected back in court on 13 May. 
• There was no sign of any alleged assault on Kelly when she appeared in court. 
• The state has withdrawn charges against the accused number four, Phumza Sigaqa. 
• Bloodied clothing was found and has been sent for forensic testing. Police said the forensic lab results are not in yet. 
• The City of Cape Town has dispatched policing resources in the past month. These include 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 announced that the search for six-year-old Joslin had been scaled down as the focus now shifts to following up on leads.
• Reporters asked Kelly, Joslin’s mother, 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 Joslin went missing.”
• Authorities searched a ship in London in April based on information suggesting Joslin could have been aboard. Interpol assisted with the search on the ship. She was not found.