A petition to deny bail to the four people charged with kidnapping and human trafficking of Jocelyn Smith (including her own mother Kelly) is rapidly gaining momentum.
Mother-of-three Saldana Bey, her boyfriend Jackin Apolis, also known as Boeta, and two others appeared in Vredenburg Magistrate's Court this week.
Officials say a formal bail application is being filed.
Jocelyn went missing on February 19th from the informal settlement of Middelpos, where she lived with her two brothers.
No Bail Motion Begins
On Thursday, four defendants, Jackin Apolis, Steveno Van Ryn, Raquel (Kelly) Smith and Fimza Sigaka, appeared in court on charges of human trafficking and kidnapping.
Western Cape Police Commissioner Timbisile Patekile said further charges and further arrests were planned.
The four defendants remain in custody and their next court appearance is scheduled for March 13th.
The next day, news of a Change.org petition titled “Deny Bail to Suspect in Jocelyn Smith Kidnapping and Human Trafficking Case” made headlines.
The description says: “Kidnapping and human trafficking have become symbols for South Africa's missing children.
“Her story is not just hers. This work represents the countless children who have been victims of such heinous crimes, child exploitation, drug abuse, poverty, lack of adequate resources. It highlights a dark reality.
“It also highlights the urgent need for more effective law enforcement training in investigative operations.
Additionally, “We demand that bail be denied for the four suspects currently in custody in connection with the Jocelyn case. As the investigation progresses, this will lead to the denial of bail for the four suspects currently in custody in connection with the Jocelyn case. As the investigation progresses, this It should also apply to individuals. We insist on being thorough. We must stop at all costs until we find Jocelyn.”
The application currently has nearly 15,000 signatures.
Suspect Jocelyn Smith: MEC also opposes bail
Meanwhile, Western Cape Community Safety and Police Oversight Minister Regen Allen asked the court to deny bail to Jocelyn Smith's mother and co-accused.
He posted on Facebook: “We want this girl to be found unharmed and returned home safely. These suspects must be innocent. We will ask the judge whether we should apply for bail or not. Or we encourage you to refuse the application when it is applied.
“Like many people, I am committed to reuniting Jocelyn with her family, but we continue to support other families with missing children and loved ones.
“And we are working with law enforcement to reunite them with their loved ones.”