Search for missing 6-year-old Joshlin Smith continues as trial date approaches

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has confirmed that the search for six-year-old Joshlin Smith, who went missing a year ago, is still ongoing. Despite extensive investigations and multiple arrests, there has been no breakthrough in locating the young girl.

Trial Set to Begin in March

Joshlin’s mother, Kelly Smith, along with her two co-accused, Jacquen Appollis and Stevano van Rhyn, appeared in the Western Cape High Court on Friday, where they face serious charges of kidnapping and human trafficking related to Joshlin’s disappearance.

The three accused are scheduled to go on trial on March 3, but even as legal proceedings move forward, Joshlin remains missing.

One Year Since Joshlin’s Disappearance

Joshlin was last seen in February 2023 at her home in Middelpos, Saldanha Bay, before she mysteriously vanished without a trace. Since then, law enforcement agencies, community members, and various organizations have worked tirelessly to find her. However, there has been no concrete evidence or confirmed sightings of the missing child.

Investigation Remains Active

Despite the upcoming trial, NPA spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila has assured the public that the investigation remains active.

“The investigation was never closed. It’s still continuing. Police are still following any leads that are coming up, and if anyone knows of anything, we ask them to meet with the investigating officers. The investigation is still ongoing, but we are continuing with the charges that we’ve preferred against the three accused,” Ntabazalila stated.

Authorities continue to urge the public to come forward with any information that could lead to Joshlin’s whereabouts.

The Charges Against the Accused

Kelly Smith, her boyfriend Jacquen Appollis, and their associate Stevano van Rhyn face serious allegations.

According to the indictment, Joshlin’s own mother is accused of orchestrating her kidnapping. The court documents reveal that:

• In August 2023, months before Joshlin disappeared, Kelly had allegedly made plans to have her children taken away or sold.
• On February 18, 2024, a day before Joshlin vanished, Kelly and Joshlin reportedly met a mysterious woman in a white car near their home.
• This woman allegedly handed something to Kelly before she and Joshlin walked back home.

Investigators suspect that this meeting was linked to Joshlin being sold for human trafficking.

A Community in Pain

The disappearance of Joshlin Smith has shaken the Saldanha Bay community, with many demanding justice and pleading for answers.

For the past year, community members have participated in:

• Search parties
• Prayer gatherings
• Awareness campaigns

But their efforts have yet to bring Joshlin home.

Many are hoping that the upcoming trial will finally provide clarity about what happened to her.

What’s Next?

With the March 3 trial date fast approaching, the NPA remains hopeful that new details will emerge.

Ntabazalila emphasized:

“We hope that as the trial progresses, more light will be shed on Joshlin’s whereabouts.”

Until then, the search for Joshlin continues, and law enforcement urges anyone with information to come forward.

A Call for Justice

As the case unfolds in court, South Africans are watching closely, hoping for a breakthrough that will bring Joshlin home and ensure that justice is served.

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