Four suspects in the disappearance of six-year-old Joshlin Smith appeared before the Vredenburg Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 16 September 2024.
Story Summary:
- Four suspects, including Joshlin’s mother, appeared in court for her disappearance.
- The state was granted a final postponement until 21 October 2024 to investigate new evidence.
- Failure to prepare by this date could lead to dismissal or a bail application.
Joshlin Smith suspects to remain behind bars
The suspects, including Joshlin’s mother, Racquel ‘Kelly’ Smith, her partner Jacquen Appollis, Lorentia Lombaard, and Steveno van Rhyn, have been in custody since their arrest in March.
In court, the state sought another postponement, citing ongoing investigations and the emergence of new evidence crucial to the case.
Prosecutors informed the court that the newly uncovered evidence required more time for thorough examination.
Despite opposition from the defence, who argued that delays are prejudicial to the accused, the court granted the postponement.
However, the magistrate marked it as the final delay, warning the state that it must be ready by 21 October 2024.
The suspects are accused of human trafficking and kidnapping, charges tied to Joshlin’s disappearance on 19 February 2024.
They will remain in custody until their next court appearance.
State at risk of fumbling the case
The postponement marks a critical moment for the state, which faces pressure to be fully prepared by 21 October.
If not, the defence may argue for dismissal or push for a bail application, potentially giving the accused an opportunity for release.
The final postponement is a make-or-break situation for the state’s case, as failure to present solid evidence could undermine the prosecution’s chances at trial.
In cases where bail applications are filed, the defence will also have to present their case, offering counterarguments to the state’s evidence.
This could complicate the state’s narrative and further delay the trial process.
What happened to Joshlin Smith?
Joshlin Smith disappeared on 19 February 2024.
Initial reports indicated she was playing outside her home before vanishing around 14:00.
The case escalated into an international search, involving collaboration with Interpol and investigations into a Panamanian ship, Frontier Asuka, which was searched at a port in Wales, but no evidence was found.
In addition to the suspects, bloody clothes were found near Saldanha Bay, leading to speculation about Joshlin’s fate.
However, DNA testing later revealed that the clothing did not belong to the missing girl.
Joshlin’s mother, Racquel Smith, and her three co-accused are at the centre of the ongoing investigation, with human trafficking and kidnapping charges placed against them.
The state has indicated that more forensic reports are pending, which could be key to securing a conviction.
