Three of the four accused in the Joshlin Smith abduction case have abandoned their bail applications. They appeared in the Vredenburg Magistrates Court this morning.

Charges have been withdrawn against the fourth accused, Phumza Sigaqa. The State had meanwhile asked the court for the matter to resume on May 13 due to new information coming to light.

The search continues for the missing six-year-old, and police are following up on several leads. Tensions were high outside the court this morning as Joshlin’s mother, Kelly Smith, her boyfriend, Jacquen Appollis, and Steveno van Rhyn appeared on charges of kidnapping and human trafficking. Joshlin was last seen at her family home in Middelpos last month. She had been left in the care of her mother’s boyfriend.