The public has been urged not to share false information about missing child, Joslin Smith. Image: Facebook
Public warned not to share false information about Joslin Smith
Little Joslin was left in the care of her mother’s boyfriend but he was unable to account for her whereabouts, police said.
The public has been urged not to share false information about missing child, Joslin Smith. Image: Facebook
The public has been urged not to share misleading information about missing seven-year-old child, Joslin Smith on social media.
Little Joslin went missing from her community of Diazville in Sladanha Bay on Monday last week.
Search efforts by an integrated police task team, along with community members and various organizations are continuing this week.
Police investigation on missing Joslin is ongoing
Police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Malcolm Pojie said a police investigation on the missing child is ongoing.
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“Preliminary information reveals that Joslin 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 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.
She later got hold of her boyfriend who was supposed to look after the child, but he was unable to account for her whereabouts,” he said.
Public urged to refrain from sharing false information on social media
The Saldanha Bay Local Municipality has offered a reward of R20 000 for any information that may lead to the safe return of Smith.
Saldanha mayor André Truter said false information spread on social media was causing confusion to the community.
“Fake news is causing so much trauma and confusion. I have spoken to the Saldanha Bay police station commander, there is no truth in the information that Joslin has been found.
Joslin has not been found. The search and investigation is still continuing.
It is clear that some people are doing this purely for selfish reasons. You have no idea how much damage you are causing to this child’s mother,” he said.
Truter has urged the community to share all relevant information with the police.
“We request that you keep Joslin in your prayers. We also request to please refrain from spreading unverified information. Should you receive any information you must contact your closest SAPS,” he said.
Children’s rights group Missing Children SA also appealed to the public to rely on official information from the police about the latest on the search for the seven-year-old.
The reality of young children going missing was concerning, the organisation said.
“The reality is shocking and undeniable, and we can no longer be innocent bystanders to this fact,” they said.
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