Six-year-old Joshlin Smith went missing 60 days, roughly two months, ago today.

On 21 February, police had sent out the first notice calling for the public’s assistance in finding the young girl. At the time, police spokesperson, Malcolm Pojie, noted that she was last seen on 19 February.

The little girl is yet to be found.

But Western Cape police say its investigating teams are still pursuing all leads in the search for her. On Thursday, police were dispatched in Saldanha Bay to follow up on a possible lead.

But Pojie says they came up short.

“The presence of [Public Order Police]-members in Saldanha [on Thursday], was merely to protect the outer perimeter to allow the investigation team to conduct a search based on information received. Their presence were a precautionary proactive step based on the volatile situation in the town, due to the disappearance of Joshlin. Unfortunately no positive result was achieved.”

The court case

As it pertains to court matters, Joshlin’s mother and her co-accused are in police custody awaiting their next court appearance.

Racquel “Kelly” Smith, Jacquen Appolis (Kelly’s boyfriend), Steveno Van Rhyn and Lourentia Lombaard return to the Vredenburg Magistrates Court on 13 May.

The charges they face include “trafficking in persons for the purpose of exploitation and kidnapping”, says the National Prosecuting Authority.

Calls for action

The Western Cape Commissioner for Children, Christina Nomdo, has called on government authorities involved in protecting children, activists and communities, as well as parents and caregivers, to do everything in power to ensure children’s safety – and ensure that perpetrators are held accountable.

“The Commissioner for Children is concerned about all crimes against children. Our hearts go out to families and loved ones of the missing children during this challenging time. We all have a different role to play in turning the tide on violence against children.”

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