A Change.org petition calling on the court to deny bail to the suspects arrested in connection with the Joshlin Smith trafficking case has quickly gained momentum, with over 15 000 signatures reached since its launch on Friday, 8 March.
The petition was launched a day after the suspects appeared in the Vredenburg Magistrate’s Court.
The four suspects, Kelly Smith (mother), Jacquen Appollis (boyfriend), Steveno van Rhyn and Phumza Sigaqa (alleged sangoma) are facing charges of human trafficking for purposes of exploitation and kidnapping. They have officially applied for legal aid.
Also read: Update: Mother, boyfriend and Sangoma charged for Joshlin’s disappearance
Last week, a source revealed to IOL that a suspect had been arrested after a confession. The suspect is understood to have told police that Joshlin was sold to the sangoma for around R20 000.
The matter has been postponed to 13 March for bail information and the four accused will remain in custody until their next court appearance.
According to Western Cape Provincial Police Commissioner Thembisile Patekile, more charges and more arrests are on the cards.
At the time of publishing, the petition, started by June Major, obtained nearly 15 500 signatures, with its next goal standing at 25 000 signatures.
The petition reads:
Joshlin Smith, a child whose life was abruptly interrupted by the horrific acts of kidnapping and human trafficking, has become a symbol for all missing children in South Africa.
Her story is not just her own: it represents the countless children who have been victims of such heinous crimes, illuminating the dark realities of child exploitation, drug abuse, poverty and lack of sufficient resources. It also highlights the urgent need for more effective law enforcement training in search operations.
We demand that bail be denied to the four suspects currently held in custody related to Joshlin’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 Joshlin is found.
Meanwhile, Western Cape Provincial Minister of Community Safety and Police Oversight Reagen Allen has also called on the courts to deny bail to the four accused.
Taking to Facebook, Allen said: ‘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 that many are focusing our collective efforts on reuniting Joshlin 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,’ added Allen.
Six-year-old Joshlin went missing while playing outside her home in Middelpos informal settlement in Diazville, Saldanha Bay on 19 February. It has been 22 days since she was last seen.
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Picture: @ActionSocietySA / X