Joslin Smith case postponed for 'final time' to October

The case against the four accused in the disappearance of six-year-old Joshlin Smith case has been postponed to October.

SUPPLIED

Joshlin's mother, Racquel ‘’Kelly’’ Chantel Smith, her boyfriend, Jacques Rowhan ‘’Boeta’’ Appolis, Steveno van Rhyn and Lorentia Lombard briefly appeared in the Vredenburg Magistrate’s Court on Monday.

They are facing charges of trafficking in persons with the purpose of exploitation and kidnapping.

Little Joshlin went missing from her house in the Middelpos informal settlement in Saldanha Bay nearly seven months ago.

The court was expected to hear if the case would be transferred to the Western Cape High Court, but senior state prosecutor advocate Aradhana Heeramun requested a further postponement, saying new evidence had emerged that needed investigation.

“At the very outset of the matter we have always indicated the investigations are live and ongoing. New evidence has emerged and we are duty bound to investigate. In terms of the policy directives, the matter can only be enrolled in the high court when it is certified all investigations are finalised. For that reason the state brings an application for a further postponement for investigation.’’

The defence said they would object if the case was postponed again.

Magistrate Theresa Postma said she was postponing the case for the final time.

“This matter is being remanded to the 21st of October for further investigation. I am marking it as final for that purpose. You will all be kept in custody until then.”

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson in the Western Cape, Eric Ntabazalila, said the State had asked for a postponement due to new information.

“We will be coming back on the 21st, hoping that we will be able between now and then to come up with something on the new evidence. There’s no possibility of new suspects. I’ve spoken with the investigating officer, and he tells me that investigations are ongoing and that he is hoping to find the girl alive. But the appeal is for people to come forward with any genuine information they have.”

 

Done by: Mitchum George