WATCH | Joshlin Smith case: Mom, boyfriend and two others ...
Four people appeared in the Vredenburg Magistrate's Court on Thursday in connection with the disappearance of 6-year-old Joshlin Smith.
The little girl went missing while playing outside her home in Middelpos informal settlement in Diazville, Saldanha Bay, on 19 February.
Her mother, Kelly (Racquel Chantel) Smith; Smith's boyfriend, Jacquen Appollis; Steveno van Rhyn; and Phumza Sigaqa appeared in the dock. They face charges of human trafficking for purposes of exploitation and kidnapping.
As the proceedings commenced, police asked members of the public to clear the courtroom to make space for the families of the accused and Western Cape police's top brass.
Kelly Smith in the Vredenburg Magistrate's Court. (Luke Daniel/News24)
The four accused in the courtroom. (Luke Daniel/News24)
At the request of Magistrate Theresa Postma, an officer read out the court rules and regulations but members of the media raised concerns that "TikTok influencers" and a representative from the Patriotic Alliance were allowed to remain in the courtroom.
The so-called influencers were asked to leave the court but the political party had permission to film the proceedings.
With the drama sorted, the accused told the court they would be applying for legal aid representation.
The case was postponed to Wednesday 13 March.
Outside the court, scores of people chanted: "We want Joshlin," and, "Kelly, jy's n gemors," while Public Order Police guarded the main entrance to the court.
As the accused were loaded into a police van parked at the back of the building, some of the locals who were allowed inside the court grounds, lashed out at Kelly and said she should lead police to Joshlin.
A small plant, a candle and a photo of missing Joslin Smith at Diazville Primary School on 6 March 2024 in Saldanha. The Grade 1 Diazville Primary School learner was last seen on 19 February wearing a light blue T-shirt and light blue denim shorts. (Gallo Images / Die Burger / Theo Jeptha)
Western Cape police commissioner Lieutenant General Thembisile Patekile said more people were likely to be arrested.
"At this stage, we do not have the child. Our ultimate goal is to find the child so that closure can be [achieved]. We are making an appeal to every citizen in the Western Cape to assist us. We [have] people in court, and therefore the investigation has to be allowed to take its course."
"Anyone who tries to interfere with the investigation will face the might [of] the law," Patekile added.
Acting Social Development MEC Nomafrench Mbombo said Kelly's two remaining children were in the care of family members under the watchful eye of department officials.
Mbombo said:
At this stage, there is no reason to take them away from the specific family because the accused [are] the mother and the boyfriend. But the other family members, they are not necessarily seen as high risk. The department is checking on the children's well-being.
Police Oversight and Community Safety MEC Reagen Allen said they were "one step closer" to finding Joshlin and finding out what actually happened to her.
"We are still keeping hope alive knowing that we want to find Joshlin unharmed. I am aware that further charges can be added to the charge sheet and we will be closely working with the police to ensure that no stone is left unturned," said Allen.
While police briefed the media outside court, four police vans took the accused back to their holding cells. Angry residents banged against the vehicles, shouting at Kelly and asking her to tell the truth.
The search for Joshlin continues.
