Missing Joslin Smith (6): Petition to deny bail gains MOMENTUM

A petition to deny bail for four people, including Kelly Smith and her boyfriend, has gained MOMENTUM.

MISSING JOSLIN SMITH (6): PETITION TO DENY BAIL GAINS MOMENTUM

The four people, Jacquen Rowhan Appollis, Steveno Dumaizio van Rhyn, Racquel Chantel Smith (Kelly), and Phumza Sigaqa, are expected back in the Vredenburg Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday in connection with the disappearance of Joslin Smith (6).

All four face charges of trafficking persons for exploitation and kidnapping.

ALL FOUR ARE EXPECTED IN COURT ON WEDNESDAY

The petition, a Change.org petition, was started by June Major five days ago.

“We demand that bail be denied to the four suspects currently held in custody related to Joslin’s case. This should extend to any other individuals who may be implicated as investigations proceed. We insist on thoroughness; no stone must be left unturned until Joslin is found,”

the petition said.

THE PETITION IS TO DEMAND THAT BAIL BE DENIED

It furthermore said the denial of bail would send a strong message that ‘such atrocities will not be tolerated within our society.’

At the time of publishing, the petition has gathered about 20 215 signatures.

THE SEARCH FOR JOSLIN SMITH (6) IS STILL ONGOING

Joslin, from Diazville in Saldanha Bay, went missing on 19 February 2024 while in the care of her mother’s boyfriend.

Meanwhile, community members plan to attend the court appearance dressed in white t-shirts on Wednesday.

POLICE SAID MORE ARRESTS ARE ON THE CARDS

The search for Joslin, which is still underway, brought individuals, NGOs, community activists, police officials, neighbourhood watches and representatives from different spheres of government together in the quest to find the missing girl.

Police said the investigation is gaining momentum, and arrests are on the cards.

Western Cape Minister of Police Oversight and Community Safety, Reagen Allen, has also appealed to the magistrate to deny bail on Wednesday.

MORE CALLS FOR MAGISTRATE TO DENY BAIL ON WEDNESDAY

”We want this young girl to be found unharmed and safely returned home. These suspects must come clean. We encourage the magistrate to deny bail, should or when it is applied for.

“While I like many are focusing our collective efforts on reuniting Joslin with her family; we continue to support other families who have missing children or family members. And we are partnering with law enforcement agencies to reunite them with their loved ones”

Reagen Allen said.

So, what do we know about the case so far? 

HERE IS EVERYTHING WE KNOW ABOUT THE CASE SO FAR: 

Here are the latest developments in the search:

• Patriotic Alliance leader Gayton Mckenzie said the reward has been increased to R500 000 after people reported sightings of Joslin in Mosselbay.
• Kelly Smith, her boyfriend, Jacquine [Boeta] Appolis, Steveno van Rhyn and Phumza Sigaqo are charged with human trafficking and kidnapping.
• Bloodied clothing was found and has been sent for forensic testing.
• Despite extensive daily searches, there’s still no sign of the missing little girl. 
• The City of Cape Town dispatched policing resources today. This includes investigators, K9 unit search dogs, Marine Unit members and watercraft, and experienced search and rescue volunteers. Drones will support these teams’ search efforts.
• The Western Cape’s social development department in Saldanha Bay has intervened to keep Joslin’s siblings safe. 
• Police spokesperson Malcolm Pojie said the search for the six-year-old Joslin had been scaled down as no trace could be found despite all avenues and resources being exhausted.
• Earlier this week the reward of R20 000 was increased to R250 000. It is now R500 000. This is offered for any information aiding the police in locating Joslin.
• Joslin’s mother, Kelly, was asked about allegations of drug abuse inside the family home. Kelly admitted that she and her boyfriend smoked tik, but said she had been “clean for a week since the disappearance of Joslin”.