The mother of a 6-year-old girl who has been missing for nearly three weeks in South Africa, her boyfriend and two other people are now facing charges in connection with her disappearance.
It is a shocking twist in the search for Joslin Smith that has gained widespread attention across the country and made international headlines.
She disappeared from outside her home in coastal Saldanha Bay, near Cape Town on Feb. 26.
(Photo : Executive Mayor Andrè Truter)
Kelly Smith, her boyfriend, Jacquine Appolis, Steveno van Rhyn and Phumza Sigaqo appeared at the Vredenburg Magistrate Court Thursday morning after their arrests.
The four face charges of human trafficking for purposes of exploitation and kidnapping and will remain jailed without bail until a March 13 hearing.
Executive Mayor Andrè Truter said emotions were running high as the community gathered at the court to show solidarity in the search for little Joslin.
(Photo : Executive Mayor Andrè Truter)
The huge crowd outside court chanted, "Bring back Joslin," the BBC reported.
Police are asking for "every citizen, every person" to help find Joslin, the Associated Press reported.
There are concerns she may have been taken to another city or even taken out of the country.
When Joslin disappeared, local media reported that neighbors had accused her mother of selling her for just over $1,000. The girl's bloodied clothing was found near the home days later.
Smith claimed she had left her daughter with her boyfriend to go to work and never saw her again.
Authorities now say that was a lie.
"We will stand united in prayer and never give up hope," Truter said after the hearing.
