PICTURES: The tin shack in which Joslin Smith and her siblings lived
Joslin Smith and her two siblings lived in tin and wooden shack in the Middelpos informal settlement with their mother Kelly and her partner.
Joslin Smith’s disappearance from her home in Middelpos Drive in Diazville, Saldanha Bay, has made international headlines.
For the six-year-old and her two siblings, a tin shack in the informal settlement was the home she shared with her mother, Kelly, and the latter’s partner, Jacquin Appollis, also known as ‘Boeta’.
Joslin went missing on 19 February while under the care of Appollis.
Four people – including Kelly and Appollis – have been charged with human trafficking and kidnapping.
They will appear in the Vredenburg Magistrates Court again on Wednesday, 13 March.
PICTURES: THE TIN SHACK WHERE JOSLIN SMITH LIVED
In the 18 days since Joslin Smith’s disappearance, various community members have shared clips and images of their search for the little girl, including a look at where the Diazville Primary School learner stayed.
Joslin, along with an older brother and a younger sister, lived in the tiny tin and wooden shack, which had just one window.
Outside, piles of rubbish lay scattered around.
According to community members, Joslin’s brother collected clean water from a nearby tap.
WHO WAS AT HOME WHEN SHE WENT MISSING?
In various media interviews, Joslin Smith’s mother, Kelly, gave an account of what happened on Monday, 19 February.
Speaking to Patriotic Alliance (PA) leader Gayton McKenzie in a Facebook Live last week, Kelly claims Joslin was home with her partner Appollis and four other adults.
Joslin – who was not feeling well – did not go to school on that day.
When Kelly returned home from work at 17:00, she claimed that both Appollis and Joslin were nowhere to be found.
Meanwhile, Appollis told eNCA, that he was home “all day” with Joslin.
He added that the girl was sent to a neighbour’s house to play.
He last saw her at 14: 00, he claims.
He said: “She told me she was going to play with her friend. That was the last time I saw her. I’m really honest”.
Later that evening, the couple alerted the police to the child’s disappearance.
Various conflicting versions of what may have happened have since surfaced.
According to eNCA, Kelly and Appollis are two of four accused who have been arrested and charged with human trafficking and kidnapping.
The four – who will remain in police custody – will appear again in the Vredenburg Magistrates Court again on 13 March.