Update: 7 March 2024
Update: 6 March 2024
News24 has reported that police are questioning four people in connection with the disappearance of Joslin Smith.
5 March 2024:
It has been two weeks since six-year-old girl Joslin Smith disappeared from outside her home in Saldanha Bay, in the Western Cape. She was left in the care of her mother’s boyfriend, Jacquin Appollis.
Joslin’s mother, Kelly, said the following about her missing daughter: “My motherly instincts are telling me my daughter is still alive and in this area. We will find her, I will walk on foot to find her. I will look in every little shack, I’m going to do it by myself if I have to.”
Joslin’s mother and her mother’s boyfriend have been moved to a place of safety, as some community members have become angry and have attempted to place blame on the couple for Joslin’s sudden disappearance.
An intense search operation was launched. Community volunteers, the navy, drones, and the “police, firefighters and specialised dog units have scoured sand dunes and scrubland near the informal settlement of shacks and small houses where Joslin lived.” Last weekend, bloody items of clothing were located. The clothing items have since been sent for forensic analysis.
Police investigators have also asked the public not to spread false news about this case on social media, which could negatively impact their search operations.
Police Minister Bheki Cele, who visited the Saldanha area this past weekend, said, “From the police side, I want to assure you that no resource will be spared to find her. The police have not withdrawn from this search, and they are under a directive to work closer with anyone who comes up with any valuable information that can assist.”
“The Missing Children South Africa charity, which is helping in the search for Joslin, says police statistics indicate a child goes missing every five hours in the country. Around a quarter of the missing children are killed, trafficked or never found, it said.”
The charity has also provided vital safety tips for parents and suggested what to do if their child goes missing.
