Missing Joslin (6): Latest search developments

Here are the latest developments in the search for missing Joslin Smith (6) from Saldanha Bay. 

MISSING JOSLIN (6): LATEST SEARCH DEVELOPMENTS 

The six-year-old Joslin went missing from her home in Diazville, Saldanha Bay, last week on Monday.

Joslin was reported missing at Saldanha police station by her mother on Tuesday, 20 February 2024.

So, what do we know about the case so far? 

HERE IS EVERYTHING WE KNOW ABOUT THE CASE SO FAR: 

• Despite extensive daily searches, there’s still no sign of the missing little girl. 
• The City of Cape Town dispatched policing resources today. This includes investigators, K9 unit search dogs, Marine Unit members and watercraft, and experienced search and rescue volunteers. Drones will support these teams’ search efforts.
• The Western Cape’s social development department in Saldanha Bay has intervened to keep Joslin’s siblings safe. 
• Police spokesperson Malcolm Pojie said the search for the six-year-old Joslin had been scaled down as no trace could be found despite all avenues and resources being exhausted.
• A reward of R20 000 has been increased to more than R100 000. This is offered for any information aiding the police in locating Joslin.
• Joslin’s mother, Kelly, was asked about allegations of drug abuse inside the family home. Kelly admitted that she and her boyfriend smoked tik, but said she had been “clean for a week since the disappearance of Joslin”.

THE LITTLE GIRL WAS REPORTED MISSING LAST WEEK

Preliminary information revealed that Joshlin was left at home on Monday, 19 February 2024, with the mother’s boyfriend to look after her as she was not feeling well.

“Later in the afternoon, when the mother returned from work, her daughter was not home.

“She asked about the whereabouts of the child but could not find her. The mother later got hold of her boyfriend, who was supposed to look after the child, but he was unable to account for her whereabouts,”

police spokesperson Lt.Col. Malcolm Pojie said. 

JOSLIN WAS LEFT IN THE CARE OF THE MOTHER’SMOTHER’S BOYFRIEND

Pojie said at the time of Joslin’s disappearance, she wore a light blue t-shirt and light blue denim shorts.

DO YOU HAVE INFORMATION THAT CAN HELP THE POLICE?

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of the missing Joslin is requested to contact the investigation officer, Sgt Millstine of Vredenburg FCS, at 079 879 8588 or Crime Stop at 08600 10111.

HOW TO REPORT A MISSING PERSON

REMEMBER: THERE IS NO WAITING PERIOD TO REPORT A MISSING PERSON

• Produce a recent photograph of the missing person, if possible.
• Give a complete description of the missing person’s last whereabouts, clothes that they were wearing, and any information that can assist the investigating officer.
• Complete and sign a SAPS 55(A) form. This form safeguards the SAPS from hoax reports and indemnifies the SAPS to distribute the photograph and information of the missing person.
• Obtain the investigating officer’s contact details, and send any additional information that might become available.
• If a missing person is found or returns voluntarily, inform the investigating officer immediately. A SAPS 92 form must be completed to inform the Bureau of Missing Persons that the missing person’s report can be removed from the circulation system.