Police Minister Bheki Cele arrived in Saldanha Bay, on Saturday, to evaluate the ongoing search efforts to find Joshlin Smith, a six-year-old girl who vanished two weeks ago.
Bheki Cele tackles ‘fake news’ in Saldanha Bay
During a community engagement session, Minister Cele, alongside Western Cape Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant-General Thembisile Patekile, addressed concerns over fake news circulating about the search for Joshlin Smith.
The police leadership aimed to clarify the situation and reassure the community, emphasising the commitment of the South African Police Service (SAPS) to finding the missing child.
Cele denounced the spread of misinformation, which he stressed, complicates the efforts to locate Joshlin and causes unnecessary distress for her family and the community.
What’s the latest news on Joshlin Smith search?
In the latest developments, the SAPS and specialised investigative units have intensified their search and investigative efforts.
City of Cape Town MEC for Public Safety JP Smith reported that all deployed teams are following up on leads with distinct mission objectives, making considerable progress.
The focus remains on gathering evidence and pursuing every possible lead to uncover Joshlin’s whereabouts.
“After a long day, our members are lodging tonight in Saldanah Bay, but are already enthusiastic to get going first thing in the morning again,” Smith said.
When this article was published, MEC Reagan Allen was scheduled to host a media briefing on the latest news about the Joshlin Smith disappearance.
What happened to Joshlin Smith?
Joshlin Smith was reported missing by her mother, Kelly Smith, after she failed to return home on Monday, 19 February 2024.
Jacquen Appollis, the last known person to have seen Joshlin, has been actively trying to clear his name amid growing suspicions.
Despite discrepancies in accounts between Appollis and Kelly Smith regarding the events leading up to Joshlin’s disappearance, no formal suspects or persons of interest have been identified by the police at this stage.
The community has united in the search for Joshlin, with ongoing efforts to locate her focusing on evidence gathering and following up on all leads provided to the investigators.