By Matefu Mokoena
A child is still missing. The mother is on trial at a community centre in Saldanha Bay in the Western Cape.
This is the sad story of Joshlin Smith, who disappeared in February last year aged 6. Her mother, Kelly Smith, has been accused of orchestrating her kidnapping.
Joshlin’s story paints the sorry state of the vulnerability of many children in South Africa who go missing daily.
Missing Children South Africa’s statistic indicates that 77% of children are found.
Sadly, this still leaves us with at least 23% of the children being either never found, trafficked or found deceased. Children are also the most vulnerable victims of gender-based violence.
“The reality is shocking and undeniable, and we can no longer be innocent bystanders to this fact.
“It can happen to your child!” warns Missing Children South Africa.
