Before her disappearance, Jocelyn Smith and her two brothers, along with their mother Kelly and Kelly's boyfriend Jackin Apolis or Boeta, lived in a small village in the informal settlement of Middelpos in Diazville, Saldanha Bay. He lived in a tin hut.
The two adults, who admitted to abusing the drug stimulant, were later charged with kidnapping and trafficking the girl.
Jocelyn remains missing, but her two siblings, a brother and a sister, are safe and living in suitable housing.
Where is Jocelyn Smith's brother?
Western Cape MEC for Social Development Nomafrench Mbombo confirmed to Newzroom Afrika that Jocelyn's siblings are under their supervision.
She said, “The brothers are also minors, so we have to protect them. They are in our care, but so is their family.”
The MEC added that the two young children would receive ongoing counseling. ”
She further added: She said: “It is alarming that the mother is one of those who are being accused…especially in poorer areas, you hear about issues of R20,000. [art of the human trafficking agreement”.
“In that area, there are elements of substance abuse, which is not surprising.”
Mbombo added that Joslin’s biological dad had been in contact about obtaining custody of his two children.
Child negligence liability claim
Meanwhile, anti-drug advocate Derelene James called on authorities to charge Jocelyn Smith's mother, Kelly, with child neglect.
In a TikTok video, James, who works for South Africa's Central Narcotics Bureau, criticized authorities for not taking action against Jocelyn Smith's mother, Kelly.
she said: “Why was her mother not prosecuted pursuant to the Children Act No. 38 of 2005?” Why was this mother not prosecuted for gross negligence?
“This child is at risk because she is a user. And she abandons her duty as a mother by leaving her child with someone who is also a user and saying she doesn't know where her child is. Why do we do this? Do you sulk about problems?”
She continued, “Why aren't parents held accountable?” The fact that this mother has not been charged says a lot about the system. Why is SAPS not taking action and why is Social Development not taking action and applying the Children's Act?
“Let's send a strong message to all parents to put a stop to this. Parents need to know that if they fail to look after their children, there will be consequences and they will be arrested and prosecuted.” .”
