Police in the Western Cape have confirmed that an item of clothing, believed to belong to Joshlin Smith, has been collected for forensic analysis.
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The item of clothing, a jersey, was discovered over the weekend during a random search in the Saldanha Bay area.
Lieutenant Colonel Malcolm Pojie, the Western Cape police spokesperson, stated that the jersey was found by members of the community.
‘We can confirm that community members found a jersey during a random search of the surroundings. Police forensic experts collected the clothing items for forensic analysis. The investigation is ongoing with various specialised units that form part of an integrated investigation team. The investigation and search for the missing Joshlin continues,’ Pojie said.
The Grade 1 learner from Diazville Primary has been missing for 106 days since she disappeared without a trace on 19 February, after 5pm.
The community and activists have continued searching for Joshlin, despite no leads after all this time.
A R1 million reward for Joshlin’s safe return remains available.
The reward was posted by Gayton McKenzie, leader of the Patriotic Alliance (PA).
Four people are currently behind bars in connection with Joshlin’s disappearance.
Joshlin’s mother, Kelly Smith, her boyfriend, Jacquen ‘Boeta’ Appolis, Stevano van Rhyn, and Lourentia Lombaard appeared in the Vredenburg Magistrate’s Court on 13 May.
The group faces charges of kidnapping and trafficking in persons for the purpose of exploitation.
The State alleges Joshlin was sold for R20 000.
Smith was visibly pregnant when she appeared in the dock.
The state informed the court that its investigation is ongoing and that it is following up on all information police have about Joshlin.
The State also mentioned that it has received forensic reports and cell phone downloads and is currently in the process of analysing the data.
The group has been remanded in custody and is expected back in court on 15 July.
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