Charges dropped against one accused in Joslin Smith case
The National Prosecuting Authority on Monday dropped charges against the fourth accused in the Joslin Smith disappearance case.
Lorentia Lombaard appeared in the Vredenburg Magistrate’s Court alongside Joslin’s mother, Kelly Smith, and co-accused Jacquen Rowhan Appollis and Steveno Dumaizio van Rhyn.
The trio faces charges of trafficking persons for exploitation and kidnapping.
Joslin went missing on 19 February in Saldanha Bay while in the care of her mother’s boyfriend.
The case has been transferred to the Western Cape High Court for a pre-trial conference, which will take place in January.
State prosecutor Advocate Aradhana Heeramun told the court that the State is ready to transfer the case to the high court for pre-trial proceedings.
"I can confirm today (Monday) that this matter will be transferred in terms of Section 75 of the Criminal Procedure Act to the High Court for a pre-trial conference on the 31st of January 2025, that is in respect of number 1, 2, 3 and in terms to accused number 4, the state withdraws charges."
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