Cape Town — The search for six-year-old Joshlin Smith intensified on Monday evening when three suspects were taken into police custody over the disappearance of the young girl.
Joshlin has now been missing for 15 days since she was last seen on Monday 19 February. Joshlin’s mother, Kelly Smith, told police she could not find her child, who was last seen with Kelly’s boyfriend, Jacquin Appollis, who could not account her her whereabouts either.
According to eNCA, three people have been taken into custody, with Kelly and Jacquin among the three suspects. It is believed that two of the three suspects have confessed to police, with the third refusing to cooperate. Her father doubts whether his child may still be alive.
[BREAKING NEWS] Three people are in police custody in connection with Joshlin Smith’s disappearance. eNCA has learnt that two of the three confessed to the police while the third is not cooperating. The three are expected to appear in court on Thursday. #DStv403 pic.twitter.com/rfGbNv21l5
— eNCA (@eNCA) March 5, 2024
According to IOL, one of the suspects taken into custody is believed to be close to Joshlin and a trusted source close to the investigation said the suspect allegedly confessed to selling Joshlin to an African woman for about R20 000.
On Sunday, police confirmed the search for Joshlin had been expanded with drones and rescue dogs deployed in the area. Police said pieces of clothing allegedly stained with blood were discovered on an open field on Saturday evening during random searches. The clothing has been sent to the forensic laboratory for analysis.
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen
