The pre-trial hearing in the case of missing six-year-old Joslin Smith is set to begin today at the High Court in Cape Town.
Joslin’s mother, Kelly Smith, her boyfriend, Jacquin Appollis, and Steveno van Rhyn face charges of kidnapping and human trafficking in connection with the child's disappearance.
Joslin was reported missing in February last year from the Middelpos informal settlement in Saldanha Bay. Her mother told police that she had left the child in Appollis' care while she was at work. Despite extensive searches by authorities and the community, Joslin has not been found.
All three accused remain in custody as the legal process unfolds.