A South African mother, Kelly Smith, whose six-year-old daughter, Joslin, has been missing since February 19, is now facing charges of human trafficking and kidnapping, along with her boyfriend, Jacquen Appollis, and two others, following their arrest.
Joslin vanished from outside her home in Saldanha Bay, near Cape Town, sparking a nationwide search effort and captivating the attention of South Africans. The accused appeared in court, where they were not required to enter a plea.
According to reports from the Citizen newspaper, the prosecution alleges that Ms. Smith instructed Mr. Appollis and another accomplice, Stefano van Rhyn, to sell Joslin to a traditional healer for 20,000 rand ($1,000; £835).
Despite extensive search efforts involving the navy, drones, and sniffer dogs, Joslin has not yet been found. Recently, bloodied clothing was discovered in an open field near the area where she disappeared.
Ms. Smith and her co-accused have been remanded in custody until March 13, with plans to apply for legal aid. Despite the charges, Ms. Smith remains hopeful of finding her daughter, expressing determination to search every corner if necessary.
Community members have also joined in the search, with reports of individuals scouring sewers and pits. However, Mayor André Truter expressed concerns over escalating tensions, noting instances of vigilantism as residents grow desperate for answers.
A reward of 100,000 rand ($5,200) has been offered for any information leading to Joslin’s whereabouts. Mr. Appollis, who was caring for Joslin at the time of her disappearance, has denied involvement in the case.
