‘New evidence’ to be probed in case of missing child Joshlin Smith

The mother of missing six-year-old Joshlin Smith, her boyfriend and two other suspects will remain in custody while police investigate new evidence in the kidnapping and human trafficking case.

Racquel Chantel Smith, known as Kelly, boyfriend Jacquin “Boeta” Appollis, friend Steveno van Rhyn and Lourentia Lombard appeared in the Vredenberg magistrate's court on Monday.

Joshlin went missing from home in the Middelpos informal settlement at Saldanha Bay in the Western Cape on February 19. On that day, she was being looked after by “Boeta” while Kelly was at work.

The court was expected to hear if the case would be transferred to the high court in Cape Town, but senior state prosecutor advocate Aradhana Heeramun requested a further postponement, saying new evidence had emerged that needed investigation.

“At the very outset of the matter we have always indicated the investigations are live and ongoing. New evidence has emerged and we are duty bound to investigate. In terms of the policy directives, the matter can only be enrolled in the high court when it is certified all investigations are finalised,” said Heeramun 

“For that reason the state brings an application for a further postponement for investigation,” said Heeramun.  

The defence said they would object if the case was postponed again in the future.

The case was postponed to October 21. 

Hundreds of protesters demanded access to the court when the accused appeared in March and had to be kept back by police. Despite an international search for the missing child, Joshlin's whereabouts remain unknown. 

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