In the ongoing trial concerning the disappearance of 6-year-old Joshlin Smith, the first investigating officer took the stand on Thursday, revealing key evidence that has further deepened the mystery surrounding the child’s disappearance. Sergeant Meyer Milstein, from the Vredeburg Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit, described his role in the investigation and the disturbing findings uncovered during the initial search.
Milstein, who has served in the South African Police Service (SAPS) for 15 years, said that he was called to the case after the first search had already been conducted by responding officers. On February 20, 2024, Milstein arrived at Middlepos and was introduced to Kelly Smith, Joshlin’s mother, who reported that her child had gone missing the previous evening.
“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,” Milstein testified. The investigation revealed that Kelly had left Joshlin and her two other children in the care of her boyfriend, Jacquen Appollis, on the night of February 19. When Kelly returned home, Joshlin was nowhere to be found.
Milstein described his initial interview with Kelly, noting that she appeared calm and composed, not crying during their first exchange. He also met with Appollis, who he said was the last person to see Joshlin before her disappearance.
The investigation then took a critical turn when a search of the residence revealed disturbing evidence. A biology dog, trained to detect body fluids, led investigators to a pillowcase and a bed sheet that showed blood stains, though not soaked through. These items, along with a child-sized pink flip flop that matched Joshlin’s described clothing, were collected and photographed by the Local Criminal Record Centre (LCRC).
“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,” Milstein testified.
As the search continued, Kelly had mentioned that her two older children, including Joshlin’s brother, had been left in Appollis’ care while she went to work. According to Milstein, Kelly had also claimed that the children were sick, which was why they weren’t attending school at the time.
In a chilling detail, Milstein described the interior of the shack where the family lived. “It’s sub-divided into two rooms. On entry, the one room is used as a lounge area. To the left, adjacent to the lounge area, it seemed like a bedroom. It was very messy inside the shack,” Milstein said. He added that the bed in the room, from which the blood-stained sheet and pillowcase were recovered, had clothing and bedding piled on top.
A key moment in the trial occurred on Thursday morning during an “inspection in loco,” where the judge, legal teams, and accused individuals visited the various locations in Middlepos related to the case, including Joshlin’s home. Tensions were high as residents, furious with Kelly Smith, shouted at her and demanded answers, chanting, “Where is Joshlin? We want Joshlin.” Kelly, visibly distraught, broke down in the police van as the crowds’ calls grew louder.
The trial continues, and Milstein is expected to provide further testimony on Friday. With new evidence coming to light, the case grows even more complex as investigators piece together the events surrounding Joshlin Smith’s disappearance.
