New evidence has emerged in the case concerning missing 6-year-old Joshlin Smith, suspected to be the victim of kidnapping and human trafficking in Saldanha Bay.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) revealed this as the suspects charged in connection with her disappearance, including her mother Racquel “Kelly” Smith, returned to court yesterday.
Smith, along with her boyfriend Jacquen Appollis, Steveno van Rhyn, and Lourentia Lombaard, made a brief appearance in the Vredenburg Magistrate’s Court, on charges of human trafficking for exploitation, and kidnapping.
The accused were arrested on March 5, several weeks after the Grade 1 learner from Middelpos Primary School vanished without a trace.
Yesterday’s court proceedings were anticipated to lead to the transfer of the case to the Western Cape High Court, however, the case was postponed to October 21 for further investigation.
NPA spokesperson, Eric Ntabazalila, said new evidence has surfaced, prompting the State to request a postponement for additional inquiry.
Ntabazalila said the postponement was considered final, ensuring the defence had the right to oppose should the State seek further delays after that date.
“If we lose that, the court may ask for an inquiry to find out whether our reasons are genuine and if there is a reason for us to request that.
“But if we lose that inquiry, we are not allowed to get a chance for postponement. Then we take a decision whether to transfer the case to the high court,” he said.
Ntabazalila said the case will not be dismissed, as there was sufficient evidence to proceed.
He emphasized the significance of the “new evidence” that warranted the postponement request.
“The new evidence is on the present accused and depending on what comes out of the evidence, we may add new charges depending on what out of it,” Ntabazalila said.
Bianca van Aswegen, from Missing Children SA, further urged anyone with information about Joshlin’s whereabouts to reach out to their organisation.
She said there were still numerous children missing across the country.
“These children should never be forgotten, and we need to feature their cases and make sure that everything is being done to bring that child or person back to their families,” she said.
Meanwhile, Ntabazalila added that the acting Chief Justice had the authority to decide whether the court should remain in Vredenburg to allow local residents to attend the proceedings.
“If they ask us to come here, we will camp here until we finalise the case,” he said.
To report a missing child, visit missingchildren.org.za
byron.lukas@inl.co.za
Cape Argus