Joshlin Smith has been missing since Monday, 19 February 2024.
Image: Supplied
The first week of the Joshlin Smith trial is nearing its end and explosive bombshells have been dropped.
On Friday, the initial investigating officer, Sergeant Meyer Milstein, from the Vredeburg Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit, is expected to proceed with his evidence in chief.
Sergeant Milstein testified that he had just entered Morreesburg when he received the call about the Saldanha matter and immediately made his way to the area.
He got to Middlepos at about 1 pm on February 20, 2024, and was introduced to the mother of the missing child.
“I learned the mother’s name, Ms [Kelly] Smith, and I also learnt the child is Joshlin Smith, who was six years old at the time,” he said.
Sergeant Milstein said he conducted a brief interview with Kelly at her residence and met her boyfriend, Jacquen Appollis.
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He said an initial search was conducted and they had started deploying resources.
Sergeant Milstein said they uncovered some evidence while searching the shack.
“We searched the residence and the biology dog identified a pillowcase and a bed sheet. We inspected it and it had stains that resembled blood. These items were collected by members of the Local Criminal Record Centre (LCRC). He also photographed the scene.
“Upon further investigation, I also discovered a child-sized pink flip flop. It was relevant as it aligned with the clothing description of the child given by Ms Smith,” Sergeant Milstein testified.
Cross-examination of the police sergeant is also expected.
robin.francke@iol.co.za
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