Joshlin Smith Update: Suspects to appear in court TODAY

Police said the suspects detained in connection with the disappearance of Joshlin Smith are expected to appear in the Vredenburg Magistrate’s Court on Thursday.

SUSPECTS TO APPEAR IN COURT FOR JOSHLIN SMITH DISAPPEARANCE

On Wednesday, the police did not want to say how many suspects would be appearing and what charges they would be facing.

According to police spokesperson Brigadier Novela Potelwa, four people, two men and two women aged between 26 and 34.

FOUR PEOPLE QUESTIONED BY POLICE

“Western Cape detectives are currently questioning four individuals as part of an extensive investigation into the disappearance of six-year-old Joshlin Smith from Diazville in Saldanha Bay on the West Coast.”

Potelwa added that the investigation is gaining momentum, and arrests are on the cards.

‘INVESTIGATION IS GAINING MOMENTUM AND ARRESTS ARE ON THE CARDS’

“The investigation saw the team of detectives visiting several places within the West Coast town and interviewing several other persons.

“The search for Joshlin brought individuals, NGOs, community activists, police officials, neighbourhood watches and representatives from different spheres of government together in the quest to find the missing girl. For days, they searched and identified vast areas in Saldanha Bay.

“It is envisaged that as the investigation unfolds, light will be shed as to her whereabouts or what happened to her,”Brigadier Novela Potelwa said.

BLOODIED CLOTHING WAS FOUND OVER THE WEEKEND

“Clothing pieces, allegedly stained with blood, were discovered in an open field during random searches conducted on an open field late last night (Saturday),” Lt.Col. Malcolm Pojie said.

Police spokesperson Lt.Col. Malcolm Pojie said on Sunday that results of the forensic lab of the clothing pieces, allegedly stained with blood, are not yet done. 

He said the investigation team descended on the scene where the pieces of clothing were seized as part of the ongoing investigation. 

“The clothing have been sent to our forensic laboratory for analysis.” 

So, what do we know about the case so far? 

HERE IS EVERYTHING WE KNOW ABOUT THE JOSHLIN SMITH CASE SO FAR: 

• Four people, two men and two women aged between 26 and 34, are being interviewed by the investigators.
• Bloodied clothing was found and has been sent for forensic testing.
• Despite extensive daily searches, there’s still no sign of the missing little girl. 
• The City of Cape Town dispatched policing resources today. This includes 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 Joshlin’s siblings safe. 
• Police spokesperson Malcolm Pojie said the search for the six-year-old Joshlin had been scaled down as no trace could be found despite all avenues and resources being exhausted.
• A reward of R20 000 has been increased to R250 000. This is offered for any information aiding the police in locating Joshlin.
• Joshlin’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 the disappearance of Joshlin”.