Joslin Smith’s case scheduled for trial at the Western Cape High Court
It has been five months since Joslin Smith disappeared. On Monday, her mother, stepfather, and co-accused appeared in court.
The trial for the missing six-year-old Joslin Smith will commence at the Western Cape High Court in Cape Town on 16 September.
Joslin’s mother Chantel Smith, her stepfather Jacquin “Boeta” Appollis, close friend Steveno van Rhyn and Lourentia Lombard face charges of kidnapping and human trafficking. The four appeared at the Vredenburg Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 15 July.
WHAT’S THE LATEST ON 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 deployed officers and resources to assist in the search.
Following her disappearance, allegations surfaced that she was allegedly sold for R20 000.
On Monday, the court was expected to hear an update about the investigation, including forensic reports and cellphone records. However, the State indicated that some of the forensic evidence is still outstanding, TimesLIVE reported.
Magistrate Yolisa Sikhoyo said due to the amount of the investigation that is still outstanding, the matter is going to be postponed again to give the state an opportunity to complete its investigation.
“The date agreed to between the state and the defence is the 16th of September for further investigation. You are all in custody until then,” she told the four accused.