Media Statement
South African Police Service
Office of the Provincial Commissioner Western Cape

CAPE TOWN - Western Cape police descended on Middelpos informal settlement in Saldanha Bay on Friday afternoon pursuing emerging information as part of the investigation into the disappearance of seven year old Joshlin Smith.

As SAPS previously stated, even though three individuals including the mother of the child were sentenced in May 2025 for kidnapping and human trafficking, the disappearance without trace of the child remained a priority for the SAPS in the Western Cape hence the investigation was never closed.

SAPS teams led by detectives with K-9 members, search and rescue teams and local police have been scouring an identified area in Saldanha Bay. Whether the ongoing search will yield any success remains to be seen. It is worth reiterating that police have an obligation to follow up and test all information that is brought to their attention.

A humble plea is hereby made that the search teams be afforded space to perform their duties as the investigation continues.
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Enquiries:
Brigadier Novela Potelwa
082 559 4676

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