Cape Town — South African Police Services (SAPS) in the Western Cape reiterated its commitment in their search for missing six-year-old girl, Joshlin Smith, in Saldanha Bay.
Joshlin has been missing for 12 days now since she disappeared from her home in Middelpos. The little girl was in the care of her mother’s (Kelly Smith) boyfriend, Jacquin Appollis.
In a SAPS statement, police noted the various communications they received and have had to deal with half-truths and misleading information. Owing to the time that has elapsed since Smith’s disappearance, the investigation has turned and taken a different approach, using information at their disposal to utilise specialised capabilities.
“Our investigators supported by members from visible policing and specialised units with interventions from other law enforcement agencies as well as scores of community members have been hard at work since she was reported missing.” Western Cape police spokesperson, Malcolm Pojie said.
RT #sapsWC #SAPS remains committed in the search for missing 6yr-old Joshlin Smith. SAPS investigators supported by members from visible policing and specialised units with interventions from other law enforcement agencies as well as scores of community members have been hard at… pic.twitter.com/zswlxaPXjB
— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) March 1, 2024
According to Western Cape MEC for Community Safety, Reagen Allen, he assured the public that all leads are being followed and currently, a joint operation is currently underway, EWN reported.
“I definitely feel confident that leads are being followed up. It is that joint operations where stakeholders work together under the command of the South African Police Service (SAPS) because our main mission is ultimately to ensure that Joshlin can be returned,” Allen said.
According to eNCA, Mayor Andre Truter pleaded with police for more resources to intensify the search for Joshlin.
A team of senior investigators, K9 unit search dogs, Marine Unit members, and watercraft as well as experienced search and rescue volunteers have been dispatched to the area.
The search for seven-year-old Joslin Smith, missing since 19 February, has entered a critical phase. The City of Cape Town has sent additional resources after local police scaled down the search. @Nasiphi_Same reports.https://t.co/qukOf8H9Ax pic.twitter.com/k81LfPm5HE
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) March 1, 2024
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen
