KEY POINTS
- The search for six-year-old Joshlin Smith, missing since February 2024, continues as her mother and two co-accused face charges of kidnapping and human trafficking.
- The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) confirms the investigation is ongoing, with police following up on leads, while the trial is set to begin on March 3, 2025.
- Joshlin’s disappearance has left her family and community in anguish, with ongoing appeals for public assistance to help locate the missing girl.
The search for six-year-old Joshlin Smith, who disappeared from her Middelpos home in Saldanha Bay in February 2024, remains ongoing as her mother and two co-accused prepare to stand trial next month.
Joshlin’s mother, Kelly Smith, along with Jacquen Appollis and Steveno van Rhyn, appeared in the Western Cape High Court on Friday, facing charges of kidnapping and human trafficking related to the little girl’s disappearance.
Despite the trial’s scheduled start on March 3, 2025, there has been no sign of Joshlin, leaving her family and the community desperate for answers. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has confirmed that the investigation into her disappearance remains active, with police following up on any leads that emerge.
“The investigation was never closed. It’s still continuing. Police are still following any leads that are coming up, and if anyone knows of anything, we ask them to meet with the investigating officers. The investigation is still ongoing, but we are continuing with the charges that we’ve preferred against the three accused,” said NPA spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila.
EWN reports that Joshlin’s disappearance has left the small community of Middelpos in shock and anguish. Over the past year, extensive search efforts, including ground searches and appeals to the public, have failed to locate the missing girl. The case has drawn national attention, with many calling for justice and answers.
The NPA has expressed hope that the upcoming trial will shed more light on Joshlin’s whereabouts. “We hope more light will be shed on Joshlin’s whereabouts during the trial,” Ntabazalila added. However, the lack of progress in finding Joshlin has left her family and supporters frustrated and heartbroken.
community and family’s plea
Joshlin’s family has repeatedly appealed to the public for information that could lead to her safe return. Community members have also rallied together, organizing search parties and vigils to keep hope alive. The case has highlighted the broader issue of missing children in South Africa, prompting calls for improved resources and coordination in such investigations.
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As the trial approaches, the community remains hopeful that justice will be served and that Joshlin will be found. The NPA has assured the public that the investigation remains a priority, urging anyone with information to come forward.
