The search for Joshlin Smith (6) has gone international, as Police Minister Bheki Cele confirmed on Wednesday that they have started working with Interpol to locate Joshlin.
Pieces of clothing that were found on Saturday, 30 March 2024 were ‘taken for DNA testing’, but were not positively linked to Joshlin, according to IOL.
Also read: SAPS in possession of clothes presumed to belong to Joshlin Smith
‘A week ago, a [ship] was searched in London because there was information indicating she could have been in that one,’ said Cele.
‘It took about two and a half days for the ship to be searched. She could not be found there,’ he added.
Another factor playing a part in the search for Joshlin is ‘political interference’, according to Esmeralda Mckay, Saldanha community activist and resident.
‘Currently everyone is waiting for the next court date. There are a few groups who are very hopeful but due to political interference and the role they are playing it has become conflicting,’ said Mckay.
Joshlin disappeared from her home on February 19, and further details emerged that she was possibly trafficked for R20 000.
Her mother, Racquel ‘Kelly’ Smith, her boyfriend Jacquin Appolis, Steveno van Rhyn and Lourentia Lombard, currently face charges of kidnapping and trafficking.
Racquel is also confirmed to be expecting another child while awaiting trial in Pollsmoor prison.
Also read:
The Joshlin Smith case is the stain on our 30 years of democracy we can’t ignore
Picture: @joy_zelda / X