Police probe into disappearance of Joshlin Smith at critical stage, says WC govt
Police officers made headway in the case of the six-year-old’s disappearance after another suspect, Lourentia Lombaard, was arrested and charged with kidnapping and human trafficking.
Missing 6-year-old Joshlin Smith / Facebook: Rosemarie Pluke
CAPE TOWN - The Western Cape government says police officers have reached a critical stage in the investigation into the disappearance of six-year-old Joshlin Smith.
Officers made headway in the case after arresting another suspect on Sunday.
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Lourentia Lombaard appeared in the Vredenburg Magistrates Court on Monday and was charged with kidnapping and human trafficking.
Joshlin went missing in February after disappearing from her family home in Middelpos, Saldanha Bay.
Community Safety MEC Regan Allen said speculation about the case must come to an end.
"Our stance is clear that interference and blocking the investigation, and forms of intimidation or the politicisation of this matter will not be tolerated - our sole focus should be to find Joshlin Smith."
Allen remains hopeful that Joshlin will be found.
"I encourage anyone with information to make it available to the South African Police Service [SAPS], so that all leads are followed up. We have to find Joshlin unharmed."
The matter will be back in court next week Monday for Lombaard's bail application.