Joshlyn Smith of Saldanha Bay has been missing since February 19. (Executive Mayor Andre Truter/Facebook)
The trial of four people accused in the disappearance of Joshlyn Smith has been postponed again after the state government announced new evidence had come to light.
“Some new evidence has come forward and we are duty-bound to investigate that evidence. As per policy guidelines, the matter will be submitted to the High Court only when it is proven that all investigations have been completed,” state prosecutor Aradhana Heeramun said during a court hearing on Monday.
Joshlyn's mother, Kelly Smith, her boyfriend Jacquen “Boeta” Apolis, Stevano van Rhein and Laurentia Lombard appeared in the Vredenburg Magistrate's Court charged with trafficking in persons with the intent to exploit and kidnapping.
Joshlyn disappeared from her home in Middelpos informal settlement in Saldanha Bay on February 19. At the time her daughter went missing, Smith told police she had been out for the day and returned home but could not find her.
The matter was due to be transferred to the Western Cape High Court but was halted.
Outside court on Monday, National Prosecuting Authority spokesman Eric Ntabazalira refused to give details of the new evidence.
“I can't talk about that. I have requested the court to remand him in custody so that investigations can continue,” he said.
The trial was postponed until October 21 and the accused will remain in custody until then. The judge characterized the postponement as the final stage of the investigation.
Defence lawyers informed the court on Monday that the defence would oppose any further delay by the state.
This is the third time the state has requested an extension to wrap up its investigation into the girl's disappearance.
In March, State's Attorney Jack Van Wyk said Lombard, a fourth suspect in the case, had confessed, but did not say what he confessed. Van Wyk said he could not provide any further details. Lombard is believed to be the last person to see Joshlynn before she disappeared.
Since the girl's disappearance, residents of Saldanha Bay have been following up on clues that may help locate her.
In April, then-police minister Bheki Cele said a tip-off had revealed that Joshlyn had been spotted aboard a boat heading into international waters. Cele said authorities contacted the international human trafficking hotline webchat, which led to a search of the Panamanian ship, the Frontier Aska.
But after two days of searching the ship, which is docked in Port Talbot, Wales, no trace of the child was found.
In another indication of a breakthrough, a Saldanha Bay resident reported a clogged drain behind Diazville High School and police found bloodstained clothing.
However, police said DNA found at the scene did not match Joshlyn's.