3 charged in Joshlin Smith disappearance due in Western Cape High Court

3 charged in Joshlin Smith disappearance due in Western Cape High Court! The three individuals implicated in the disappearance of six-year-old Joshlin Smith are set to appear before the Western Cape High Court on Friday for a pre-trial hearing. The accused include Joshlin’s mother, Kelly Smith, her boyfriend, Jacquen Appollis, and Steveno van Rhyn. They face serious charges, including kidnapping and trafficking in persons for exploitation.

Initially, five individuals were implicated in the case. However, the State has since withdrawn charges against two of the accused, leaving only Smith, Appollis, and van Rhyn to stand trial.

The Disappearance of Joshlin Smith

Joshlin Smith, a green-eyed girl from Saldanha Bay in the Western Cape, mysteriously vanished on February 19, 2024. She was last seen at approximately 5:00 p.m., wearing a light blue T-shirt and light blue denim shorts. Joshlin also has a distinctive birthmark on her left arm.

According to police reports, Kelly Smith claimed that upon returning home after being out for the day, she searched for her daughter but could not find her. She then contacted her boyfriend, Appollis, who was supposed to be looking after the child, but he could not account for Joshlin’s whereabouts.

Joshlin Smith disappearance

The case sparked widespread concern, leading to multiple search efforts throughout Saldanha Bay and surrounding areas. However, despite countless searches, no significant leads have emerged regarding Joshlin’s location.

Chilling Allegations and the Indictment

Court documents have revealed disturbing allegations regarding Joshlin’s disappearance. In a shocking turn of events, former accused turned State witness, Laurentia Lombaard, provided damning testimony against Kelly Smith.

According to the indictment, Kelly had allegedly discussed plans as early as August 2023 to have her children taken away or sold. The plan was reportedly set to be executed between January and February 2024.

The indictment further states that on February 18, a day before Joshlin disappeared, Kelly and her daughter walked to a white vehicle parked near their home. A yet-to-be-identified woman exited the vehicle, spoke briefly with Kelly, and handed her something. The two then returned home.

Later that same day, Kelly, Appollis, van Rhyn, and Lombaard allegedly discussed the plan in detail, including how the money from the transaction would be divided.

Events Leading to Joshlin’s Disappearance

On the morning of February 19, the day Joshlin went missing, Kelly reportedly told her children that they would not be attending school. She then packed Joshlin’s clothes into a bag before leaving for work, leaving the children in Appollis’s custody.

While Kelly was away, Appollis, van Rhyn, and Lombaard allegedly smoked inside the home while the children were present.

Later that day, Kelly is accused of returning home and taking Joshlin, along with the bag of clothes she had packed earlier. Witnesses claim she left the house with her daughter on foot.

The indictment states that Kelly and Joshlin then got into a white vehicle, which subsequently drove away. This was the last known sighting of the young girl.

Shockingly, despite these events, Kelly later reported Joshlin missing to the police that same evening.

Investigation and Potential New Charges

Since Joshlin’s disappearance, law enforcement agencies have conducted numerous search operations in and around Saldanha Bay, but there have been no definitive leads on her whereabouts.

The State has indicated that it will present crucial evidence and documents in court, which could provide further insight into the case. Authorities have also suggested that the possibility of additional arrests cannot be ruled out, and more charges may be added to the indictment as the investigation progresses.

A Community Still Searching for Answers

As of today, Joshlin has been missing for 347 days. Her disappearance has left the Saldanha Bay community devastated, with many residents still holding onto hope that she will be found.

The case has drawn national attention, with child protection advocates calling for stricter measures to prevent crimes involving children.

With the trial set to begin soon, the public and Joshlin’s loved ones anxiously await justice. The upcoming court proceedings will be a crucial step in uncovering the truth about what happened to the little girl who vanished nearly a year ago.