In a turn of events, a South African mother was arrested and charged Thursday, in connection with the disappearance of her 6-year-old girl.
According to AP News, police arrested Kelly Smith, also known as Racquel Chantel, and charged her with kidnapping and human trafficking. Three other people were arrested in the case, including Smith’s boyfriend, Jacquin Appollis, and another man and woman, identified as Steveno van Rhyn and Phumza Sigaqa.
On February 19, Smith’s daughter, Joslin Smith, was reported missing from her home in Saldanha Bay, just outside of Cape Cod. Despite a massive search, she has not been found, but on Saturday, investigators found bloody clothing in a field close to her home.
Joslin was in the care of Appollis when she disappeared, police said. He has denied any involvement in her disappearance but can’t “account for her whereabouts,” BBC reports.
“It is envisaged that as the investigation unfolds, light will be shed as to her whereabouts or what happened to her,” police spokesperson for South Africa’s Western Cape province, Brig Novela Potelwa, said.
On Thursday, prosecutors said Smith and the accomplices plotted to abduct Joslin to sell her or exchange her. Outside of court, Western Cape province police commissioner Thembisile Patekile said that there could be more arrests could be made, but the current focus is on finding Joslin.
“At this stage, we do not have the child. Our ultimate goal is to find the child so that closure can be [achieved]. We are making an appeal to every citizen in the Western Cape to assist us. We [have] people in court, and therefore the investigation has to be allowed to take its course.”
“Anyone who tries to interfere with the investigation will face the might [of] the law.”
Emotional scenes outside Vredendal magistrate’s court as suspects in Joshlin Smith’s disappearance arrive before their appearance. It’s been over two weeks since the six-year-old went missing. Tune in to #eNCA, channel #DStv403. pic.twitter.com/I0netLiGsH
— eNCA (@eNCA) March 7, 2024
If found guilty of human trafficking, the suspects could potentially face a life sentence in prison, prosecutors said. Their next court date has been scheduled for March 13.
Check back for updates.
[Feature Photo: Joslin Smith/Facebook]
