The National Prosecuting Authority has not ruled out that more charges and more suspects could be added to the case docket, as the 6-year-old girl from Saldanha, Joslin Smith remains missing.
The little girl’s mother, the mother’s boyfriend, and 2 other accused appeared in the Vredenburg Magistrate’s court this morning. This after they were taken in for questioning earlier this week.
Some have made posters with little Joslin's picture. Some in the crowd are demanding that "sy moet vir hulle gaan wys waar Joslin is" pic.twitter.com/XRZQUo1Gdf
— Smile90.4 FM (@Smile904FM) March 7, 2024
RELATED: Joslin Smith: Four people being questioned
The four accused face charges of human trafficking for purposes of exploitation and kidnapping.
Joslin Smith's mother and her boyfriend Jacquin Appolis are among the 4 accused that are appearing in court. #Smile904fmnews pic.twitter.com/55ZxmKvl8J
— Smile90.4 FM (@Smile904FM) March 7, 2024
The charge sheet. #JoshlinSmith pic.twitter.com/1wIalInDBs
— Smile90.4 FM (@Smile904FM) March 7, 2024
Hundreds of community members gathered outside the court holding placards with Joslin’s photo on it, demanding that the accused come clean and show police where the little girl is.
The community is still hopeful that Joslin can be found alive.
Crowds are waiting outside the court for the accused to be taken away. They will remain in custody. Community members are chanting "waar is Joshlin" #Smile904fmnews pic.twitter.com/0gZSgVr5c8
— Smile90.4 FM (@Smile904FM) March 7, 2024
Riot police held back the rowdy crowd shouting for justice as the accused left the court premises in an armored vehicle.
The accused are taken away. They will be back in court next Wednesday. The charges relate to child trafficking and kidnapping. #JoshlinSmith #Smile904fmnews pic.twitter.com/8gV6e4xsgK
— Smile90.4 FM (@Smile904FM) March 7, 2024
Meanwhile, Community Safety MEC Reagen Allen says the bloodied clothing found in Saldanha, initially feared to belong to missing Joslin, does not belong to her.
Allen says the search for the missing child is continuing and authorities are also still hopeful she will be found alive.
He says it is however unknown whose blood is on the items, as the forensic results are due tomorrow (Friday).
ALSO READ: Joslin Smith’s case highlights the crisis of missing children
The case was postponed to 13 March, for bail information. The State says it will oppose their bail should the accused apply for bail. The investigation continues.
* While the charge sheet states the little girl’s name is spelled Joshlin, it is believed that her name is actually spelled Joslin.
