FOUR suspects bust for the disappearance of Joslin Smith (7) appeared in the Vredenburg Magistrates Court in the Western Cape on Thursday, 7 March.
Jacques Rowhan Appolis (31), the boyfriend of Kelly Smith (33), who is the mother of the missing girl, appeared alongside Steveno Dumaizio Duwayne Van Rhyn (27) and Phumza Sigaqa.
The accused persons face trafficking of persons for exploitation and kidnapping charges.
Though the court didn’t delve into the details of the matter, the charge sheet detailed that all the accused persons worked together to commit the crimes.
A resident, who spoke to Daily Sun, alleged that the little girl was sold.
“She was sold for R20 000, and someone among the four of them confessed to the police, hence they were arrested,” said the source.
The court was packed with journalists, politicians, cops and family members.
MEC for Community Safety and Police Oversight in the Western Cape, Allen Reagan and acting MEC for Social Development, Dr Nomafrench Mbombo were in attendance.
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Western Cape top cop, General Thembisile Patekile and his management were also in court.
Speaking outside the court, Reagan said, together with cops, they will do everything to find the missing girl.
“We sincerely trust that the investigation will now unfold on what has happened, and we're keeping hope alive knowing that we want to find Joslin unharmed. In addition, I know that more charges will be added to the charge sheet. We're working closely with the police to ensure that no stone is left unturned,” said Reagan.
According to Kelly, Joshlin, a grade one pupil at Diazville Primary School, did not attended school on the day she went missing because she was unwell.
She left her in the care of her boyfriend on her way to work. When she returned, both the boyfriend and Joshlin were not at home.
The Appollis later returned without the child and said he didn't know her wehereabouts.
The mother opened a missing person case at the cop shop around 10pm on the same day.
The case was postponed to 13 March for bail application.
All the accused are remanded in custody. National Prosecuting Authority Eric Ntabazalila said the state will oppose their bail application.
