In response to Saldanha Mayor Andre Truter’s request for reinforcements in the search for Joshlin Smith, investigators, search and rescue volunteers using drones and K9 unit dogs from Cape Town joined the search on Thursday.
The 6-year-old from Saldanha Bay has been missing for more than a week now.
Also read: Stop spreading fake news and help find Joshlin says Saldanha Bay mayor
Truter raised concern about sustaining the search after it was scaled down by police on Wednesday due to the increased spreading of false information regarding the circumstances of her disappearance.
He subsequently reached out to the City of Cape Town for additional resources and assistance.
Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis confirmed that a contingent, including investigators, K9 unit search dogs, Marine Unit members and watercraft, as well as experienced search and rescue volunteers, arrived in Saldanha this morning.
Several 4×4 vehicles, rubber ducks and jet skis, as well as a drone team, have also been dispatched.
‘Our officers are already on the ground this morning to support the search effort for Joshlin Smith’, said Hill-Lewis.
‘As parents ourselves, it is extremely painful and distressing that this little girl is missing. We pray she is found soon. We are glad to contribute these policing resources following discussions with Mayor Truter late yesterday evening, he added.’
MMC for Safety and Security JP Smith added that the team was carefully selected based on their skills and expertise.
‘The teams dispatched to Saldanha have extensive experience in assisting SAPS, as well as search and rescue expertise. We know these officers will bring valuable skills to the search effort,’ said Smith. ‘We initiated workstreams between municipalities to ensure that we are able to respond when called upon.’
Smith also confirmed that Commissioner Robbie Robberts is coordinating City’s efforts on land, sea and air.
Meanwhile, the Western Cape’s Department of Social Development (DSD) in Saldanha Bay has intervened to keep the siblings of Joshlin safe, reported News24.
DSD spokesperson Monique Mortlock-Malgas said the department was in regular contact with the family to provide any psychosocial support they might need.
‘The necessary interventions have taken place to ensure the safeguarding of the children,’ she said.
It has, however, not been confirmed whether the department has taken Joshlin’s siblings into its care or not.
Also read:
Mother of Joshlin Smith says police had to protect her from angry locals
Picture: JP Smith / Facebook
