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Following a request from Saldanha Bay Mayor André Truter, the City of Cape Town today (29 February) dispatched policing resources to bolster the search for missing 6-year-old Joshlin Smith in the municipal area.
Truter earlier cited concerns about sustaining the search effort due to the withdrawal of South African Police Services resources.
The City contingent dispatched to Saldanha this morning included investigators, K9 Unit search dogs, Marine Unit members and watercraft as well as experienced search-and-rescue volunteers. Drones will support the search efforts of these teams.
“Our officers are already on the ground this morning to support the search effort for Joshlin,” said Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis. “As parents ourselves it is extremely painful and distressing that this little girl is still missing. We pray she is found soon. We are glad to contribute these policing resources following discussions with Mayor Truter late yesterday evening.
“The teams dispatched to Saldanha have extensive experience in assisting the police as well as search and rescue expertise,” said JP Smith, Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security. “We know these officers will bring valuable skills to the search effort. We initiated work streams among municipalities to ensure we are able to respond when called upon.”
