Joslin Smith’s school shares emotional plea: ‘Hoping for her safe return’

Joslin Smith’s school, Diazville Primary, has shared a heartbreaking message to the little girl on the first anniversary of her disappearance.

The now 7-year-old went missing from her home in the Middelpos informal settlement in Saldanha Bay.

She would have been in grade two.

JOSLIN SMITH’S SCHOOL SHARE HEARTBREAKING MESSAGE

On Facebook, Diazville Primary School remembered Joslin Smith on the first anniversary since her disappearance. The school held a special service where pictures and paintings of the little girl were on display.

 After a message of encouragement from a local pastor, Joslin’s classmates released white balloons into the air.

The school posted: “We continue to pray for her safe return and will never forget her.

“As the balloons rise, we send our thoughts, prayers, and hope for Joslin. They represent our love for her.

“The school still hopes for her safe return.”

COMMUNITY CLEANS UP FOR JOSLIN

Meanwhile, the community of Diazville partook in a clean-up project of the neighbourhood in memory of Joslin Smith.

Facilitated by the Patriotic Alliance, volunteers removed dirt and debris outside the missing girl’s tin shack in the Middelpos informal settlement.

The community also organised an awareness march in memory of Joslin.

MOTHER ON TRIAL FOR KIDNAPPING, CHILD TRAFFICKING

According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Joslin Smith was allegedly sold by her mother, Kelly Smith,  partner Jacquin “Boeta” Apollis, and a male friend, Steveno van Rhyn, to finance their drug habit.

The trio are currently being charged with kidnapping and child trafficking.  They will make their next appearance in the Western Cape High Court on 28 February.

According to Judge Gayaat Da Silva Salie, a case of missing persons is still registered for Joslin; hence, the court “must assume that she is still alive.”