Joshlin Smith case: State is ready to go to trial
THE STATE is ready to go to trial in the case of missing Joshlin Smith and has revealed that the matter will be heard at the Western Cape High Court later this year.
On Monday, angry Saldanha Bay residents had gathered outside the Vredenburg Magistrate’s court, expressing their frustration as proceedings were postponed once again, and the fact that there has been no progress in finding the still-missing six-year-old.
Joshlin vanished without a trace on February 19 from her Diazville home in Saldanha Bay.
She had been left in the care of her mother’s boyfriend, Jacquen Appollis.
On March 5, the police arrested her mother, Racquel “Kelly” Smith, as well as Appollis, and their friends Steveno Van Rhyn and Lourentia Lombaard, on charges of human trafficking for purposes of exploitation and kidnapping.
It is alleged that they had sold the Grade 1 learner for R20,000.
A pregnant Smith, who has two other children, appeared in court wearing a red knit top and sporting a large baby bump.
The National Prosecuting Authority regional spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila said the matter was postponed to September 16 due to outstanding evidence and further investigations.
He said: “What is outstanding is the forensic report, there was more evidence that came forward which was sent for analysis and we are also attending to administrative matters. When we come back we will give the letter to the court telling the court that the case will be moved to the High Court.
“The investigation continues, so we may add more charges.
“We are ready for trial and after September 16 we will draft the indictment and summary of facts and hand it over to the accused.”
Joshlin’s father, Jose Emke, said he was unhappy with the postponements while Kelly has also kept mum.
Emke said: “I also want to go to the detectives to ask about the progress of the case. It makes me very unhappy when the case is postponed every time. The police never provide information to the family. There is no positive progress, all I hear is that the case is still under investigation.
“My family went to visit Kelly and she still has not given us the truth about what happened to Joshlin. She always replies she doesn’t know anything or can’t say anything as she wasn’t there at the time of the disappearance. But I don’t believe Kelly.”
Angry and frustrated community members said they want answers.
Jeanette Abrahams said: “We know nothing but we went into the bushes and the dunes looking for her. We want answers. We want Joshlin. The case must go to the high court, maybe there they will answer and tell us where our child is.”
Emke said they have not given up hope of finding Joshlin alive.
The heart-broken father said: “I can't really look into my little girl’s face as she is Joshlin’s double, they have the same face.
“I still believe that Joshlin is alive and that Kelly and her friends must just speak the truth. I believe she has been sold because the mother is on drugs.
“Next month, on Joshlin’s birthday, I want to have a small celebration.”