Diazville Primary School Honors Joslin Smith on the First Anniversary of Her Disappearance in Saldanha Bay

It’s been a year since Joslin Smith, the 7-year-old girl from Saldanha Bay, disappeared from her home in the Middelpos informal settlement.

On this emotional anniversary, Diazville Primary School, where Joslin would have been in grade two, shared a heartfelt tribute to the young girl.

A Heartfelt Tribute at Diazville Primary

On the first anniversary of Joslin’s disappearance, the school took to Facebook to honor her memory.

They held a special service featuring pictures and paintings of Joslin, with classmates and teachers reflecting on the painful loss.

A local pastor delivered an encouraging message to the gathered community before Joslin’s friends and classmates released white balloons into the air.

The school posted a message on Facebook that read: “We continue to pray for her safe return and will never forget her.

As the balloons rise, we send our thoughts, prayers, and hope for Joslin. They represent our love for her. The school still hopes for her safe return.”

Community Honors Joslin with a Clean-Up and Awareness March

The residents of Diazville came together in a show of unity to honor Joslin.

Volunteers, organized by the Patriotic Alliance, participated in a clean-up project around Joslin’s home, removing dirt and debris from outside the tin shack in the Middelpos informal settlement.

This heartfelt effort was a way for the community to remember Joslin and keep her in their thoughts.

Additionally, an awareness march was organized to further raise consciousness about Joslin’s disappearance, ensuring that her story stays alive in the hearts and minds of those who care.

A Mother and Two Others Facing Serious Charges

In the midst of this emotional time, Joslin’s disappearance is still under investigation.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has accused Joslin’s mother, Kelly Smith, along with her partner Jacquin “Boeta” Apollis and a male friend, Steveno van Rhyn, of selling Joslin to fund their drug habits.

The three individuals are facing charges of kidnapping and child trafficking, and their next court appearance is set for February 28 in the Western Cape High Court.

Judge Gayaat Da Silva Salie made it clear that while Joslin’s whereabouts remain unknown, the case is still classified as a missing persons case, meaning the court must operate under the assumption that she is still alive.

Hope Remains

As the community of Diazville and the school continue to honor Joslin, the question remains: Will Joslin Smith return home? The love, support, and hope of her family, friends, and community persist, as they hold onto the hope that one day, Joslin will be safely returned to her loved ones.