Joslin Smith Case: Charges withdrawn against accused 4
The Joslin Smith case resumed in the Vredenburg Magistrate’s where Joslin’s mother and three other accused face charges of human trafficking.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has confirmed that charges against accused 4 in the Joslin Smith case have been withdrawn.
The four appeared in the Vredenburg Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, 13 March, on charges of kidnapping and human trafficking.
STAGE WITHDRAWS CHARGES AGAINST ACCUSED IN JOSLIN SMITH CASE
As previously reported by The South African, the six-year-old girl went missing from her home in Diazville, Saldanha Bay on 19 February. At the time, she was under the care of her mother’s boyfriend.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has deployed officers and good Samaritans have also assisted in the search for the young girl.
On Wednesday, NPA spokesperson in the Western Cape Eric Ntabazalila told eNCA charges against Phumza Sigaqa may be reinstated later.
“There is no evidence against her but as the investigation is ongoing, charges may be reinstated against her at a later stage,” he said.
Ntabazalila also confirmed that Joslin Smith’s mother, her boyfriend and the third accused have abandoned their bail application.
“If they do bring a bail application at any stage, we will oppose it as the State,” he added.
[BREAKING NEWS] Charges withdrawn against accused 4 Phumza Sigaqa in Joshlin Smith case. More details on https://t.co/srSwp4H5Hm and #DStv403 #QuestionThinkAct pic.twitter.com/lM694ZlRMR
— eNCA (@eNCA) March 13, 2024
The search for little Joslin Smith is ongoing and she is yet to be found.
The matter was postponed to May for further investigation.