VREDENBURG – In a dramatic turn of events, the mother of missing child Joshlin, along with three others, is facing charges of human trafficking and kidnapping. The suspects, Kelly Smith, Jacquine Appolis, Steveno van Rhyn, and Phumza Sigaqo made a brief appearance in Vredenburg Magistrate Court today.
Emotions ran high as a large crowd from the community gathered outside the courthouse, demanding justice for Joshlin. Saldanha Bay Executive Mayor, André Truter, issued a statement expressing solidarity with the community:
“We will stand united in prayer and never give up hope!” the Mayor declared, using the hashtag #LetsKeepHopeAlive.
Mayor Truter also commended the efforts of the South African Police Service (SAPS) and Law Enforcement, who maintained order during the potentially volatile gathering.
The four suspects will remain in custody and are scheduled to reappear in court on March 13th, 2024 for a formal bail application. The case has shocked the community and highlights the ongoing scourge of human trafficking in South Africa.
