Should Joslin Smith’s mom be charged with child negligence? – [Video]
Anti-drug advocate Dereleen James has called for authorities to charge Joslin Smith’s mother, Kelly with child negligence.
Anti-drug advocate Dereleen James has called for authorities to charge Joslin Smith’s mother, Kelly with child negligence.
In a video posted on her TikTok account, the activist believes the Saldanha Bay mom put her child’s life in danger before she went missing more than two weeks ago.
Both Kelly and her partner Jacquin Appollis, also known as Boeta, have confessed to using the drug Tik (crystal meth). According to Gayton McKenzie – who has been active in the community search – the couple have refused his offer of drug rehabilitation.
ANTI-DRUG ADVOCATE: ‘WHY HAS MOM NOT BEEN CHARGED?
Speaking in a TikTok video, Dereleen James – who works for South Africa’s Central Drug Authority – called out authorities for not taking action against Joslin Smith’s mother, Kelly.
She said: “Why has the mom not been charged according to the Children’s Act 38 of 2005? Why has this mother not been charged with gross negligence?
“She herself is a user, which places this child at risk. She then places the child in the care of someone who is also a user, and then she abandons her duties as a mom by saying she doesn’t know where her child is. Why are we pussy-footing around this matter? “
She continued: “Why haven’t we seen social workers deployed to that area to do an investigation?
“Why aren’t parents being held accountable? The fact that this mother has not been charged, speaks alot to the system. Why does SAPS not act, why does Social Development not act and apply the Children’s Act?
“Let us send a strong message to all parents so that it can stop. Parents need to know that there are consequences and that they will be arrested and charged for not taking care of their children”.
JOSLIN SMITH’S BIOLOGICAL DAD SEEKS FULL CUSTODY
Meanwhile, Joslin Smith’s real dad Jose Emke has shared his decision to fight for his children with his ex Kelly.
Jose – who lives in the Northern Cape – spoke to the Daily Voice about his concerns.
I didn’t understand how she went missing. I think that she has been trafficked. She is somewhere out there”.
Emke – who claims that Kelly never once informed him of Joslin’s disappearance – also has another young daughter with the mother.
He continued: “After hearing that Kelly and her boyfriend are busy with drugs, I want my children back. I have two children with her, including Joslin. And I plan on fighting to have them in my custody.”
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