The four suspects who are accused in the disappearance case of 6-year-old Joshlin Smith appeared in the Vredenburg Magistrates Court in Saldanha Bay on Monday morning.

During proceedings, the State withdrew all the charges against the 4th accused in the matter, Lorentia Lombaard, who has been released from custody. It is believed that Lombard has since turned State witness.

The case is now being transferred to the Western Cape High Court where the matter will resume on the 31st of January 2025 for a pre-trial conference.

Next year’s pre-trial will include Joshlin’s mother, Raquel “Kelly” Smith, her mother’s boyfriend Jacquin Appolis and Steveno van Rhyn. The 3 accused face charges of kidnapping and human trafficking.

As the case is set to be transferred to the high court in the new year, the State has alleged that the 6-year-old’s mother, Kelly, planned as far back as August 2023 to have her three children taken away or sold.

Court papers filed by the prosecution allege that Kelly packed a bag of clothes for Joshlin on 18 February, the day before she disappeared. On 19 February, Kelly and Joshlin allegedly got into a white car with the backpack, and the vehicle drove away.

That same evening, Kelly reported Joshlin missing. More than 8 months later there has still been no trace of the little girl.

The little girl disappeared more than 8 months ago, on the 19th of February, Tsitsiratsitsi in Middelpos, Saldanha Bay. She has still not been found.

The community takes action to find Joshlin

Since news of her disappearance came to light, the Saldanha Bay community rallied together to find the 6-year-old. The Diazville and adjacent communities, including the Saldanha Bay Mayor, Andre Truter were closely involved in the search for her.

The then Western Cape Police Oversight and Community Safety MEC, Reagan Allen also deployed teams to help in the search with members of provincial police and Cape Town law enforcement, as well as K9 units and other entities, active in the operations.

With Joshlin’s 7th birthday coming up on the 23rd of October, a local religious leader (in affiliation with the Patriotic Alliance) is planning to hold a birthday celebration for the little girl.

The birthday celebration has been organised, not only to bring justice for missing Joshlin but also to stand up for children’s rights and bring an end to child abuse.

READ MORE: Joslin Smith case postponed after new evidence emerges