Blood-stained clothing has been discovered in a field near Saldanha Bay, as the search for six-year-old Joshlin Smith continues.
Also read: Joshlin Smith search: Reinforcements arrive in Saldanha
The young girl went missing from a shack where she was left in the care of her mother’s boyfriend, Jacquin Appolis, nearly two weeks ago.
She was reported missing on Tuesday, February 20, 2024. Rewards in the hundreds of thousands of rands have been offered to anyone who knows where she is.
While no arrests have been made, police have expanded their search, and SAPS spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Malcom Pojie confirmed that evidence discovered during the search has yet to be linked to Joshlin’s disappearance.
‘Clothing pieces, allegedly stained with blood, were discovered in an open field during random searches conducted on an open field late last night,’ he said.
‘The investigation team descended on the scene where the pieces of clothing were seized as part of ongoing investigation. The clothing will be send to our forensic laboratory for analysis.’
Meanwhile, with strong winds pounding the coast yesterday, aerial drone teams were forced to halt operations.
The area has seen a significant increase in the number of volunteer organisations and institutions in recent days, all of which have lent a helping hand until our teams were able to connect with SAPS investigators.
‘Our drone teams along with SAPS drone teams, have begun surveying the area according to an area grid, focusing on identified priority areas, but also documenting areas once search activities have been completed,’ said mayco member for Safety and Security JP Smith,
‘Its not just using the tech aspect. Our investigators from SSIMS and SSIU, many of them seasoned ex-SAPS detectives from various specialized units, including FCS (Family Violence, Child Protection, Sexual Offences), are working closely with the Investigating Officer at SAPS.’
However, Smith added that the investigation had been jeopardised after Appolis and Joshlin’s mother were forced to seek refuge due to threats from community members.
‘Sadly part of the investigation had been comprised because of the reckless and irresponsible actions of those seeking political gain out of a very serious issue,’ he added. ‘In so doing, the lives of innocent persons have been threatened after them being wrongfully accused.’
‘If those who claim to be working in the interest of justice, if they have any respect for law, please allow officials to pursue this matter the right and lawful way.’
‘Together the K9 tracking teams have followed up on handfuls of leads provided by psychic mediums, since nearly all the surrounding locations had already been trampled and unintentionally contaminated, but unfortunately none of these tip-offs thus far have brought any success. While the assistance is appreciated, K9 tracking teams are now needing to focus on eye-witness testimony and forms of trace evidence where collected.’
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Picture: JP Smith/ Faceebook
