The search for missing six-year-old Joslin Smith has gone international, with Interpol now involved.

POLICE SAID THE SEARCH FOR JOSLIN HAS GONE INTERNATIONAL

Police Minister Bheki Cele said a ship was searched in London a week ago because there was information indicating she could have been in that one.

“It’s an awkward and painful case, especially after visiting the family and community. I found a very united community even when there were politics, but everybody agreed that the biggest (matter) was to find Joslin … the South African police, working with their sister organisation, have expanded the net.

“A week ago, a (ship) was searched in London because information indicated she could have been in that one. It took about two and a half days for the ship to be searched. She could not be found there,”

Cele said in an interview with the SABC.

Interpol assisted with the search on the ship.

THE REWARD FOR INFORMATION THAT COULD HELP FIND JOSLIN IS NOW R1 MILLION

Meanwhile, Patriotic Alliance leader Gayton McKenzie has announced an increased reward of R1 million for information that could help find Joslin Smith.

Joslin, from Diazville in Saldanha Bay, went missing on 19 February 2024 while in the care of her mother’s boyfriend.

The search for Joslin, which is still ongoing, brought individuals, NGOs, community activists, police officials, neighbourhood watches and representatives from different spheres of government together in the quest to find the missing Joslin.

POLICE SAID THEY ARE PURSUING MORE SPECIFIC LEADS STEMMING FROM THE ARRESTS

Police spokesperson Malcolm Pojie last week said they are now focused on pursuing more specific leads stemming from the recent arrests.

He also added on Saturday the forensic results on the bloodied clothes found are still not in.

HERE IS EVERYTHING WE KNOW ABOUT THE CASE SO FAR:

Here are the latest developments in the search:

• Six-year-old Joslin was last seen on Monday, 19 February. She was officially reported missing on 20 February.

• Patriotic Alliance leader Gayton Mckenzie said the reward will be increased to R1 million.

• Joslin’s school, Diazville Primary School, has urged parents to keep a close eye on their “precious possessions” these school holidays.

• A 32-year-old woman was also formally charged with kidnapping and human trafficking. She is expected back in court on 13 May 2024.

• Kelly Smith, her boyfriend, Jacquine (Boeta) Appolis, Steveno van Rhyn, and Phumza Sigaqo are charged with human trafficking and kidnapping.

• The trio is expected back in court on 13 May.

• There was no sign of any alleged assault on Kelly when she appeared in court.

• The state has withdrawn charges against the accused number four, Phumza Sigaqa.

• Bloodied clothing was found and has been sent for forensic testing. Police said the forensic lab results are not in yet.

• The City of Cape Town dispatched policing resources in the past month. These include investigators, K9 unit search dogs, Marine Unit members and watercraft, and experienced search and rescue volunteers. Drones will support these teams’ search efforts.

• The Western Cape’s social development department in Saldanha Bay has intervened to keep Joslin’s siblings safe.

• Police spokesperson Malcolm Pojie said the search for the six-year-old Joslin had been scaled down as the focus is now on following up on leads.

• Joslin’s mother, Kelly, was asked about allegations of drug abuse inside the family home. Kelly admitted that she and her boyfriend smoked tik but said she had been “clean for a week since Joslin went missing.”

source:Search for missing Joslin Smith goes international (thesouthafrican.com)