Residents in the Saldanha Bay municipality have joined search efforts for a seven-year-old girl who was reported missing by her mother to police on Tuesday.

It is reported that little Joslin Smith was last seen near the Diazville clinic on Monday afternoon with an unknown boy.

She was reported missing to police by her family when she did not return home.

POLICE LAUNCH INVESTIGATION

Police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Malcolm Pojie said search efforts for the missing child are continuing.

“Joslin Smith was reported as missing at Saldanha police station by her mother on Tuesday, 20 February 2024.

Preliminary information reveals that Joslin was left at home on Monday 19 February 2024 with the mother’s boyfriend to look after her as she was not feeling well.

Later the afternoon, when the mother returned from work, her daughter was not home. She asked about the whereabouts of the child but could not find her.

She later got hold of her boyfriend who was supposed to look after the child, but he was unable to account for her whereabouts,” he said.

Pojie said at the time of her disappearance, Joslin was wearing a light blue t-shirt and light blue denim shorts.

“Following the report by her mother, a full-scale search was initiated comprising the investigating officer attached to the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit (FCS), visible policing members, Disaster Management personnel and a magnitude of community members.

The search was postponed late last night and resumed this morning,” he said.

SALDANHA BAY COMMUNITY URGED TO REPORT INFORMATION TO THE POLICE

Saldanha Bay mayor Andrè Truter urged the community to keep their ears on the ground as search efforts continue.

“Keep sharing on social media and keep your ears on the ground while we continue our search for little Joslin.

The police investigation is ongoing and at a critical point.

Whilst we are looking for little Joslin and following up every lead, let us bear with SAPS who are doing everything in their power to find Joslin, something that can only happen with the cooperation and support of the community,” he said.

Anyone with information is requested to contact the investigation officer, Sergeant Millstine of Vredenburg FCS at 079 879 8588 or Crime Stop at 08600 10111.