Cape Town – Police Minister Bheki Cele has pledged to ensure the safe return of missing six-year-old Joshlin Smith, who disappeared 12 days ago in Saldanha.
Speaking to residents at White City, Cele committed to deploying all available resources for the search and urged the community to allow authorities the space to conduct their investigation.
He mentioned the involvement of top police officials in the case and assured that it is being taken very seriously.
[WATCH]
Minister Cele addresses community of Saldanha, amid the search for #JuslinSmith by the @SAPoliceService the 6 y/o has been missing since the 19th of February. Minister Cele says politics aside – the young girl must be found and police resources are still in place. pic.twitter.com/QxC4CzENPo
— Lirandzu Themba (@LirandzuThemba) March 2, 2024
“We have brought the deputy national commissioner, detectives, the provincial commissioner and provincial head of detectives here. The case is taken very seriously indeed. There’s information, I guess there’s progress. We must leave it there,” EWN quoted Cele as saying.
According to IOL, Cele said that his visit aimed to express support for the police amid reports of a reduction in investigative efforts.
“I know for sure that they can’t do that, it is a part of their job to be where the community is. They can’t just go,” Cele said.
He emphasised that it was the duty of the police to be present in the community and encouraged residents to share their suggestions on how the police can assist effectively.
“I see good people that have been watching from afar doing their job, trying to assist and find the little kid,” the minister said.
Anyone with information about Joshlin’s whereabouts is urged to contact Sergeant Millstine, the investigating officer, at 079 879 8588, Crime Stop at 08600 10111, or Missing Children SA at 072 6477464.
Follow African Insider on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
Picture: Facebook/HASHTAG SA UNITE
For more African news, visit Africaninsider.com
Compiled by Betha Madhomu
