Four suspects, including Joshlin Smith’s mother, Racquel ‘Kelly’ Smith, will make their latest appearance in the Vredenburg Magistrate’s Court today.
Story Summary:
- The four suspects in the disappearance of six-year-old Joshlin Smith, including her mother, are back in the Vredenburg Magistrate’s Court today.
- The court granted the state one last postponement during their previous appearance to investigate new evidence.
- The suspects have been in custody since March and face charges of kidnapping and human trafficking.
Joshlin Smith mother and suspects appear in court
The proceedings will be available to watch live on Swisher Post, as well as on major South African news channels, providing the public with an opportunity to witness key developments in the ongoing investigation into the disappearance of the six-year-old girl.
In their previous appearance on 16 September 2024, the court granted a final postponement until today, 21 October 2024, following the state’s request for more time to investigate newly uncovered evidence.
The suspects—Racquel Smith, her partner Jacquen Appollis, Lorentia Lombaard, and Steveno van Rhyn—remain in custody, facing serious charges of human trafficking and kidnapping, related to Joshlin’s disappearance.
Despite opposition from the defence, who argued that further delays prejudiced their clients, the magistrate allowed the state additional time.
However, this was marked as the final extension, placing pressure on the prosecution to be fully prepared today.
Failure to present solid evidence may lead to a bail application or dismissal of the charges.
What happened to Joshlin Smith?
Joshlin disappeared on 19 February 2024 while playing outside her home in Saldanha Bay. Her case quickly escalated, involving international law enforcement, but despite various leads, including the search of a Panamanian ship, no concrete evidence was found.
The discovery of blood-stained clothing near Saldanha Bay intensified concerns, though DNA results later confirmed it was not connected to the missing girl.
The suspects, including Joshlin’s mother, were arrested in March 2024.
The charges they face have shocked the community, and the state has indicated that additional forensic reports may provide key evidence in the case.