Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Vincent Cruywagen
Published on 2024-02-27 21:01:50
The search for six-year-old Joslin Smith in Western Cape has taken a heartbreaking turn as police spokesperson Malcolm Pojie announced that the search had been scaled down due to the lack of any trace of the missing girl. Despite this setback, the investigation team is diligently following up on all leads and information received in hopes of finding Joslin.
Joslin’s mother, Kelly Smith, recounted the last time she saw her daughter before she went missing on February 19th. Kelly left for work that morning at around 8am, leaving Joslin in the care of her boyfriend, Jacquin Appollis. However, when Kelly returned home in Diazville, Saldanha, at 5pm, Joslin was nowhere to be found. This led to a frantic search effort involving an integrated police task force, community members, volunteers, and even a police helicopter.
The Western Cape Missing Persons Unit highlighted the alarming rate of missing minors in the province, with four other children currently missing. The community has been urged to keep an eye out for not only Joslin but also 12-year-old Lunamandla Sithonga, nine-year-old Linathi Titshala, six-month-old Ivakele Yeko, and two-month-old Kai-isha Meniers.
In a desperate plea for her daughter’s safe return, Kelly Smith shared a video on Facebook appealing to the public for any information that could lead to Joslin being found. Appollis, Joslin’s mother’s boyfriend, revealed that the last time he saw the young girl, she mentioned going to play with a friend, sparking concerns about her whereabouts.
Drawing from her own experience of her son Matthew going missing 26 years ago, Michelle Ohlson reached out to offer support and encouragement to Joslin’s mother. Despite the closure of Concerned Parents for Missing Children due to lack of funds, Ohlson emphasized the importance of not giving up hope and continuing the search for missing loved ones.
Amidst the search efforts, the police have cautioned against spreading unfounded rumors about Joslin’s disappearance, which could potentially derail the investigation and waste valuable resources. Saldanha Bay Mayor André Truter has announced a reward of R20,000 for any information leading to Joslin’s whereabouts, urging the public to contact the authorities with any pertinent details.
As the search for Joslin Smith continues, the community remains hopeful for her safe return and continues to rally together in the effort to bring her home.
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