The legal proceedings for the four individuals accused in the disappearance of six-year-old Joslin Smith will be postponed until October.
This delay comes as new evidence has surfaced in the case.
Disappearance Details
Joslin Smith was reported missing from her home in Diazville, Saldanha Bay, on February 19.
At the time, she was under the care of her mother’s boyfriend.
The case has garnered significant attention, and the suspects are facing serious charges.
Charges and Court Appearances
Joslin’s mother, Chantel Smith, her stepfather, Jacquin “Boeta” Appollis, and two close friends, Steveno van Rhyn and Lourentia Lombard, are charged with kidnapping and human trafficking.
They have appeared several times at the Vredenburg Magistrate’s Court and have also withdrawn their bail applications.
Following a brief court appearance on Monday, National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila announced that new evidence has emerged, prompting a sensitive phase in the investigation.
The court has been asked to delay proceedings to allow police more time to investigate the new information.
The case is set to return on October 21, with hopes for further progress in the investigation.
EFF Criticizes Delays
During a court session in July, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) criticized the ongoing delays in Joslin Smith’s case.
They argued that these delays prolong the suffering of the family and hinder their chance for closure.
The EFF emphasized that the disappearance of a child is a grave crime that shakes society, and thus, the legal process should be expedited to ensure justice for Joslin and to protect other vulnerable individuals.
The EFF’s statement reflects frustration with what they see as systemic weaknesses in the justice system, highlighting concerns about the perceived lack of urgency and importance given to child abduction cases.
