The court proceedings for the alleged kidnapping and human trafficking of Joshlin Smith have been postponed to July 2024.
Joshlin smith case postponed – Here’s why
PLEASE NOTE: The third-party content below is shared on our platform for journalistic purposes. Swisher Post, its parent company, partners and affiliates shall not be held liable for any consequence that arises from the journalistic duties performed in sharing this content.
On Monday, Saldanha Bay residents gathered in significant numbers at the courthouse, voicing their concerns and seeking answers about Joshlin’s whereabouts.
After a brief appearance from the four accused in the matter, Racquel ‘Kelly’ Smith, Jaquen Appollis, Steveno van Rhyn and Lorentia Lombaard, the case has been postponed due to the complex nature of the charges and the need for further investigative work.
This additional time will enable authorities to gather more evidence and clarify the involvement of each accused in the disturbing case of Joshlin Smith’s disappearance.
The matter will return to Vredenburg Magistrate’s Court on 15 July 2024.
Case recap: Here’s what we know about the suspects so far
Recent developments saw the withdrawal of charges against a fourth suspect, Phumza Sigaqa, under unclear circumstances, while the other three continue to face accusations.
The suspects initially denied involvement, but under intense interrogation, both Appollis and Van Rhyn reportedly confessed to selling Joshlin to a traditional healer for muti purposes.
Racquel Smith maintains her innocence, stating she played no part in her daughter’s disappearance.
Lorentia Lombaard, after her arrest, made a voluntary confession detailing her involvement in the crime.
Here’s a timeline of Joshlin Smith’s disappearance
Smith has been missing since 19 February 2024. Initial reports from Racquel Smith and Jaquen Appollis placed the six-year-old playing outside her home until she vanished mysteriously around 14:00 that day.
The disappearance triggered an extensive search, including an international effort following a tip that led authorities to search a Panamanian ship, Frontier Asuka, which departed from Saldanha Bay shortly after Joshlin’s disappearance.
The ship was searched thoroughly at Port Talbot in Wales on 16 and 17 March 2024, but no evidence of Joshlin was found.
With each day that passes, hopes of Joshlin Smith being found alive have diminished, albeit, authorities have, at this juncture, not included homicide in their investigations.
