The search for six-year-old Joshlin Smith, who has been missing for 43 days, has extended beyond the borders of South Africa. Despite the arrest of four individuals, including her mother Racquel “Kelly” Smith, there have been no positive leads in finding the young girl.
Recently, bloody clothing was discovered in a field in Saldanha Bay, believed to belong to Joshlin. However, Police Minister Bheki Cele confirmed that DNA tests on the clothing came back negative, indicating that it did not belong to the missing child.
In an effort to locate Joshlin, the South African police have collaborated with international authorities, including those in the United Kingdom. A ship in London was even searched based on information suggesting the possibility of her presence. Unfortunately, she was not found on the ship.
The investigation into Joshlin’s disappearance continues in Saldanha Bay. Minister Cele expressed gratitude to the community for their support and unity in the search efforts.
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On March 5, Smith, her boyfriend Jacquen Appollis, Steveno Van Rhyn, and Phumza Sigaqa were arrested on charges of human trafficking and kidnapping. According to Kelly, she had left her sick daughter in Appollis’ care on February 19, only to return from work to find Joshlin missing. One of the suspects allegedly confessed to selling the child for R20,000.
Sigaqa was released due to a lack of evidence, but Lourentia Lombaard was later arrested. Lombaard reportedly provided a full confession to the police. The four accused individuals have waived their right to apply for bail and remain in custody. They are scheduled to appear in court on May 13.
