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