The State is pursuing new evidence in the case of missing 6-year-old Joshlin Smith, according to the National Prosecuting Authority.
The NPA gave this as the reason it requested a final postponement in the matter against Jacquen Appolis, Steveno van Rhyn, Raquel “Kelly” Smith (Joshlin’s mother) and Lourencia Lombaard.
The four appeared briefly in the Vredenburg Magistrate’s Court on Monday NPA spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila said: “We requested the remand following the discovery of new evidence which needs to be investigated. If the investigation is not finalised on October 21 we will still go ahead and prosecute the group. We may take a decision then to transfer it to the high court.”
The four face charges of trafficking in persons for the purpose of exploitation and kidnapping.
The matter was also previously postponed due to new forensic evidence which was to be further investigated. The State alleges that Joshlin was sold for R20 000. She was reported missing on February 19.
According to information, Smith had left Joshlin in the care of her boyfriend, Appolis.
As the girl remains missing, efforts to find her included included an international search aboard a ship in London.
Former police minister Bheki Cele said Interpol searches were also conducted and DNA testing on certain clothing items could not be linked to the case.
Anyone with information about the case can anonymously contact Crime Stop on 0860010111.
Cape Times