By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Minister of Police Bheki Cele has reaffirmed their commitment to locating six-year-old girl,Joslin Smith who went missing in Diazville, Western Cape.
Cele met with Joslin’s family and the broader Saldanha community on Saturday.
Joslin disappeared on 19 February, sparking a community-wide search operation. Cele urged the community to remain unified and avoid spreading misinformation regarding the investigation by the South African Police Service (SAPS).
Addressing the community, Cele stated, “You are a community that has united though this trying time, don’t allow those who are trying to get political mileage out of the disappearance of a little girl to divide you. Unite and work with the police to bring her [Joslin] back home.”
Furthermore, he reassured the community that no effort would be spared in the search for Joslin. He emphasised that the police are actively collaborating with anyone providing valuable information.
“From the police side, I want to assure you that no resource will be spared to find her, the police have not withdrawn from this search and they are under a directive to work closer with anyone who comes up with any valuable information that can assist, “Cele added.
The relentless search involving an integrated police task force, local volunteers, concerned organisations, and even aerial assistance via police helicopter has thus far been unsuccessful in locating Joslin.
Social media has been flooded with photos and pleas to return the missing girl, with activists and politicians such as Patriotic Alliance leader Gayton McKenzie jumping in to help find Smith.