The disappearance of six-year-old Joslin Smith from Saldanha Bay, near Cape Town, has sparked a nationwide search and a wave of outrage. The little girl went missing on February 19, 2024, while she was in the care of her mother’s boyfriend, Jacquin Appollis.
He claims that he does not know what happened to her, but some people suspect that he and Joslin’s mother, Kelly Smith, are involved in her kidnapping. What is the truth behind this mystery? Here is what we know so far.
The Day Joslin Vanished
According to Appollis, he was looking after Joslin while her mother was at work. He said that Joslin Smith told him that she wanted to play with her friends, and he let her go. He said he got worried when it got dark and she did not return. He said he searched for her in the neighborhood, but could not find her. He then called Kelly and reported Joslin missing to the police.
However, some neighbors have a different version of events. They say that they saw Appollis leaving his shack with a suitcase and a backpack, and that he looked nervous and suspicious. They also say that they did not see Joslin playing with any friends that day, and that they heard screams coming from Appollis’ shack. They believe that Appollis and Kelly are hiding something, and that they may have sold Joslin to human traffickers.
Joslin Smith Kidnap
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Joslin Smith |
| Age | 6 years old |
| Missing Since | February 19, 2024 |
| Location Last Seen | Saldanha Bay, Cape Town, South Africa |
| Search Parties Involved | South African Navy, City of Cape Town rescuers, dog unit, drones |
| Community Involvement | Extensive search effort |
| Notable Developments | Discovery of bloodied clothing in an open field |
| Reward Offered | Over R100,000 for information leading to her whereabouts |
| Suspects | Kelly Smith and Jacquin Appollis |
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The Search for Joslin
The police have launched a massive search operation for Joslin, involving firefighters, K-9 units, drones, and the South African navy. They have scoured the sand dunes and scrubland near the informal settlement where Joslin lived, as well as the nearby coast and harbor. They have also questioned Appollis and Kelly, and searched their shacks for any clues or evidence.
The search has also attracted hundreds of volunteers from the community, who have joined the efforts to find Joslin. Some of them claim to have found a knife and a girl’s clothing stained with blood, which they say they handed over to the police. The police have not confirmed or denied these findings, but they have said that they have sent some items to a laboratory for forensic analysis.
The search has also drawn national attention and sympathy, as Joslin’s case has been widely covered by the media and social media. Many people have expressed their concern and prayers for Joslin’s safe return, and have condemned the possible involvement of her mother and boyfriend. Some celebrities and politicians have also joined the cause, and have offered rewards for any information that could lead to Joslin’s whereabouts.
The Motive for Kidnapping
One of the questions that haunt this case is why would anyone kidnap Joslin, and what would they gain from it. Some experts have suggested that Joslin may have been a victim of human trafficking, a lucrative and illegal trade that exploits children for sexual or labor purposes. According to the Missing Children South Africa charity, a child goes missing every five hours in the country, and around a quarter of them are killed, trafficked, or never found.
Some people have also speculated that Joslin may have been kidnapped for ransom, or for some personal or family feud. However, the police have not received any ransom demands or threats, and they have not found any evidence of any conflict or grudge that could motivate such a crime.
The Fate of Joslin
As the search for Joslin enters its third week, the hopes of finding her alive and well are fading. The police have admitted that they have not made any significant progress or breakthroughs in the investigation, and that they are running out of leads and resources. They have also appealed to the public to come forward with any information or tips that could help them solve the case.
Meanwhile, Joslin Smith’s family and friends are holding on to their faith and optimism, and are refusing to give up on her. They have organized vigils and marches, and have distributed flyers and posters with Joslin’s picture and details. They have also expressed their frustration and anger at the police and the suspects, and have demanded justice and answers.
Joslin’s case is a tragic and heartbreaking reminder of the dangers and evils that lurk in our society, and the vulnerability and innocence of our children. We can only hope that Joslin is still alive, and that she will be reunited with her loved ones soon. We can also hope that the truth will come out, and that the perpetrators will be caught and punished. Until then, we can only pray and wait for a miracle.
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