The search for missing six-year-old Joshlin Smith continues as a suspect has been arrested in connection with her disappearance. Joshlin, a Grade 1 learner from Diazville Primary School in Saldanha Bay, was last seen on February 19. Her mother, Kelly Smith, reported her missing when she returned home and couldn’t find Joshlin. The suspect, who is believed to have a close connection to the child, confessed to selling her to a woman for approximately R20,000. The police are currently investigating this claim and have not provided official comments. Despite extensive community efforts and resources deployed, including drones and rescue dogs, Joshlin remains missing. Clothing stained with alleged blood has been sent for forensic analysis as the search for her continues. The public is urged to contact the investigation officer with any information.
In a separate case, the Ndimande brothers, Siyabonga and Malusi, have been arrested in Eswatini for their alleged involvement in the murders of Kiernan ‘AKA’ Forbes and Tebello ‘Tibz’ Motsoane. The brothers have also been connected to other murders in eManzimtoti and Berea. The proceedings for their case have been postponed to March 12 while awaiting extradition papers from the National Prosecuting Authority. AKA’s father, Tony Forbes, remains hopeful for more arrests, including the identification of the “true mastermind” behind the murders. The victims were fatally shot outside a Durban restaurant in February of the previous year, and five men held in South Africa are set to appear in court.
A night of partying for three couples, fueled by a mixture of codeine-based cough syrup and soft drinks known as “lean,” ended tragically when one man allegedly raped a woman and tortured another to death. A 28-year-old suspect, implicated in the crimes, turned himself in and was arrested, while his girlfriend was also arrested in connection with the murder. Nineteen-year-old Relebohile Mofokeng was allegedly assaulted and suffocated by the accused after being blamed for the theft of R2,000. Her sister uncovered the brutal details of the crime after finding Mofokeng dead at her home. The accused faces charges of murder and rape, with the case postponed to March 14, while the arrested girlfriend is expected to appear in court on Thursday.
These cases highlight the ongoing challenges faced in South Africa, from missing children to violent crimes. The search for Joshlin Smith continues, while justice is sought for the victims of the heinous crimes committed by the Ndimande brothers and the suspects involved in the tragic night of partying. The community and authorities must work together to ensure the safety and well-being of all individuals, especially the most vulnerable among us.
