Four individuals, including the mother and boyfriend of six-year-old Joshlin Smith, are expected to appear in the Vredenburg Magistrate’s Court in the Western Cape today.
Joshlin Smith went missing from her home in the Middelpos informal settlement in Saldhana almost three months ago, and despite extensive search efforts by authorities, she has not been found.
The four accused in this case are Kelly Smith, the mother of the missing girl, and her boyfriend, Jacquen Appollis. They are facing charges of trafficking in persons with the purpose of exploitation and kidnapping.
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Another individual, Lorentia Lombaard, who was also implicated in the case, has already abandoned her bail application. Lombaard is facing charges of human trafficking and kidnapping.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson, Eric Ntabazalila, has stated that they will oppose any future bail applications submitted by the accused. The seriousness of the charges and the nature of the case warrant the NPA’s strong stance against granting bail.
The court appearance today will shed further light on the progress of the investigation and the legal proceedings surrounding Joshlin Smith’s disappearance.
The community and the public at large hope for justice to be served and for answers regarding the whereabouts of the missing child.
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