Sergeant Testifies in Joshlin Smith Disappearance Trial, Uncovering Key Evidence

The first investigating officer in the Joshlin Smith disappearance trial took the stand on Thursday. Sergeant Meyer Milstein, from the Vredeburg Family Violence, Child Protection, and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit, shared details of the investigation that began after an initial search by local police.

Sergeant Milstein, who has 15 years of service with the South African Police Service (SAPS), received a call about the Saldanha case while entering Morreesburg. He arrived at Middlepos around 1pm on February 20, 2024, and met with the mother of the missing child, Kelly Smith.

Sergeant Meyer Milstein. Picture: Ayanda Ndamane/Independent Newspapers

“I learned that the child’s name was Joshlin Smith, who was six years old at the time,” Milstein testified.

After meeting Kelly and her boyfriend, Jacquen Appollis—who was the last person to see Joshlin—Sergeant Milstein began an investigation. He quickly mobilized the K9 Unit and employed search and rescue dogs, including a biology dog to detect bodily fluids.

During the search of the residence, Milstein and his team uncovered crucial evidence. A biology dog identified a pillowcase and bed sheet, both stained with what appeared to be blood. These items were collected by the Local Criminal Record Centre (LCRC) and photographed for further examination.

Additionally, Milstein found a pink flip flop, which matched the description of the child’s clothing. This item raised concerns as it connected the scene to the missing child.

Joshlin Smith had been reported missing on February 19, 2024, with Kelly Smith stating that when she returned home from work, she discovered Joshlin was gone. The police were immediately notified, and an investigation was launched.

Milstein noted that Kelly appeared calm during their first interview, while Appollis maintained a neutral demeanor.

The shack where the family resided was described by Milstein as cluttered, with a bed covered in clothing and bedding. The blood-stained items found came from that very bed.

Milstein also testified that the recovered items were not soaked, but showed blood stains and smudges.

As the trial continues, Sergeant Milstein is expected to provide further evidence in the case. On Thursday morning, a site inspection was conducted in Middelpos, where the judge, legal teams, and the accused visited key locations connected to the case. During this time, Kelly Smith broke down emotionally as residents, frustrated and angry, shouted demands for the truth and asked, “Where is Joshlin?”

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