The kidnapping and human trafficking case against missing Joshlin Smith's mother and her co-accused has been postponed by the Vredenburg Magistrates Court and has been postponed after new evidence emerged. The missing 6-year-old girl's heavily pregnant motheKelly Smith, her boyfriend Jacquen Appolis and two others accused appeared briefly appearance in court today.

NO HIGH COURT YET

National Prosecuting Authority regional spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila said the matter was expected to be transferred to the Western Cape High Court, but that since new evidence has emerged, investigating officers need more time to finalise their case. "Between the last appearance and today, new evidence has come to light, and we of course need to investigate that evidence, and that investigation is at a sensitive stage," Ntabazalila said. Joshlin went missing on 19 February after her mother dropped her off with her boyfriend. 

SUSPECTS TO REMAIN BEHIND BARS

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Ntabazalila said he could not get into any details about the new evidence until investigations are completed and presented in court. "We can't speak about it. We've asked the court for remand, so we continue with the investigation. The magistrate said she's going to mark it final. We did not oppose that. We understand the frustration because it's taking some time to investigate the matter." The matter will be back in court again on October 21st, and the accused remain behind bars.