A pre-trial hearing for the disappearance of Joshlin Smith, a young girl from Saldanha Bay, took place on January 31, 2024. The hearing revealed administrative errors that led to the absence of two co-accused, while the State expressed readiness for trial. The judge emphasized the presumption of Joshlin's survival and the gravity of the human trafficking and kidnapping charges. The trial will be moved to the Saldanha circuit court to accommodate the community's strong interest in the case.
A pre-trial hearing for the disappearance of little Joshlin Smith took place at the Western Cape High Court on Friday, January 31, 2024. Joshlin's mother, Raquel 'Kelly' Smith, stood alone in the dock, visibly distressed, while her co-accused, boyfriend Jacquin 'Boeta' Appollis and friend Steveno van Rhyn, were absent due to an administrative error. Authorities processed their transfer from Malmesbury prison to Pollsmoor prison but failed to execute it.
As a result, a new pre-trial hearing has been scheduled for February 28, 2024, when all three accused are expected to appear in court with their newly appointed legal representation. The State advocates, Aradhana Heeramun and Zelda Swanepoel, announced that the prosecution is prepared to proceed with the trial. However, Judge Gayaat Da Silva Salie stated that it was premature to set a trial date. The judge emphasized the gravity of the case, noting the distinction between the pre-trial hearing and other cases involving already inflicted harm. In this instance, the court is dealing with charges of human trafficking and kidnapping, and while a missing persons case remains open, the court must presume that Joshlin is still alive until proven otherwise. State prosecutor Swanepoel assured the court that the missing persons investigation is active and progressing. All leads are being pursued, and community searches continue. According to the indictment, Kelly planned to have all three of her children taken or sold in 2024. She allegedly discussed the financial arrangements with Appollis, van Rhyn, and a former accused, Lourentia Lombaard. The case, initially transferred from Vredenburg, will now be heard in the circuit court in the Saldanha district. This decision, made in the interest of the community's accessibility, allows those who are deeply invested in the case to attend the proceedings. Joshlin's grandmother, present at the hearing, expressed her satisfaction with the trial's relocation to Saldanha, hoping for more clarity regarding her granddaughter's whereabouts.
JOSHLIN SMITH DISAPPEARANCE PRE-TRIAL HEARING WESTERN CAPE HIGH COURT HUMAN TRAFFICKING KIDNAPPING ADMINISTRATIVE ERROR STATE PROSECUTION COMMUNITY INTEREST SALDANHA BAY
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Trial of Joshlin Smith's Mother to be Heard in SaldanhaThe trial of Racquel 'Kelly' Smith, accused of human trafficking involving her missing daughter Joshlin, is set to proceed in Saldanha, West Coast, South Africa. Due to an administrative error, Smith's co-accused, Jacquen Appolis and Steveno van Rhyn, were absent from their pre-trial appearance in the Western Cape High Court. The court has ordered a venue inspection before the next pre-trial date on February 28th, with the Saldanha municipal town hall being considered as a suitable location. Meanwhile, investigations into Joshlin Smith's disappearance continue, with authorities stating she is presumed alive.
Read more »
Joshlin Smith's disappearance: Three suspects in court this week for crucial hearingThis week, the Western Cape High Court will hear the case of Joshlin Smith, a young girl missing since February 19, 2024, as her mother and two others face serious charges.
Read more »
Joshlin Smith Case to be Heard in Community CourtThe case of missing Joshlin Smith will be heard in her community, as per the ruling of Judge Gayaat Da Silva Salie, who cited the public's interest in justice and the community's desire for involvement. Due to an administrative error, only Joshlin's mother, Kelly Smith, appeared in court on Friday. However, the judge emphasized the importance of the community being present for the proceedings and plans are underway to find a suitable venue within the Saldanha Bay Municipality.
Read more »
Saldanha Bay Child Goes Missing: Mother, Boyfriend, and Two Others Appear in CourtJoshlin Smith, a young girl from Saldanha Bay, disappeared under mysterious circumstances on February 19, 2024. Her mother, Kelly Smith, her boyfriend, Jacquen Appollis, and Steveno van Rhyn are facing pre-trial charges. A former accused, Laurentia Lombaard, has become a state witness and revealed alarming details about Kelly's alleged plan to have her children taken away or sold.
Read more »
How mussels made their way from Spain to Saldanha BayDid you know that the modest mussel has a history that is traced back centuries - from the shores of Spain to the coast of Saldanha Bay?
Read more »
Saldanha Bay Mayor Denies Misuse of Public Funds Amidst Allegations of Reckless SpendingThe Saldanha Bay mayor, André Truter, has refuted claims of municipal mismanagement of R2.5 million in public funds. The municipality is facing accusations of reckless spending during the 2023/24 financial year, with opposition parties demanding a thorough investigation. While the mayor insists the funds were used for essential service delivery to a growing population and influx of tourists, opposition councillors argue the expenditure was unauthorized and a waste of resources.
Read more »