WC Community Safety MEC welcomes most recent arrest in Joshlin Smith's disappearance

CAPE TOWN - The Western Cape Community Safety and Police Oversight Department has welcomed the most recent arrest in the case related to the disappearance of six-year-old Joshlin Smith.

Lourentia Lombaard appeared in the Vredenburg Magistrates Court on Monday morning, where she was charged with kidnapping and human trafficking.

Joshlin has been missing for four weeks today, after disappearing from her family home in Middelpos, Saldanha Bay on 19 February.

Lombaard, who becomes accused number four in the matter, joins the little girl's mother, Kelly Smith, her boyfriend, Jacquen Appollis, and Steveno van Rhyn, as the court case continues.

Community Safety and Police Oversight MEC Reagen Allen said Lombaard's arrest showed that the investigating team was doing its job.

"This arrest and charges are welcomed, along with the other three suspects, which includes the six-year-old's mother. They should urgently provide the relevant information about Joshlin's whereabouts so that she can be safely reunited with her siblings and extended family." 
 
Lombaard will remain in custody until 25 March for the State to collect bail information.