Joshlin Smith case: Mom, boyfriend and two others charged with trafficking, kidnapping

News24Mar 7, 2024Read original

Four people appeared in the Vredenburg Magistrate's Court on Thursday in connection with the disappearance of 6-year-old Joshlin Smith.

The little girl went missing while playing outside her home in Middelpos informal settlement in Diazville, Saldanha Bay, on 19 February.

Her mother, Kelly Smith; Smith's boyfriend, Jacquen Appollis; Steveno van Rhyn; and Phumza Sigaqo appeared in the dock.

They face charges of human trafficking for purposes of exploitation and kidnapping.

As the proceedings commenced, police asked members of the public to clear the courtroom to make space for the families of the accused and Western Cape police's top brass.

At the request of Magistrate Theresa Postma, an officer read out the court rules and regulations but members of the media raised concerns that "TikTok influencers" and a representative from the Patriotic Alliance were allowed to remain in the courtroom.

The so-called influencers were asked to leave the court but the political party showed that they had permission to film the proceedings.

With the drama sorted, the accused told the court they would be applying for legal aid representation.

The case was postponed to Wednesday 13 March