Joslin Smith: South African police question four over missing girl

A frantic search is under way for six-year-old Joslin Smith, who went missing on 19 February

Police in South Africa have taken in four people for questioning over the disappearance of a six-year-old girl two weeks ago.

The search for Joslin Smith has transfixed the country since she disappeared outside her home in Saldanha Bay, near Cape Town.

On Monday, 300 naval officers joined rescuers from Cape Town, a dog unit and drones in the desperate search.

Two men and two women have been questioned over the disappearance.

"It is envisaged that as the investigation unfolds, light will be shed as to her whereabouts or what happened to her," said Brig Novela Potelwa, the police spokesperson in South Africa's Western Cape province.

A child goes missing every five hours in South Africa, but most are found.

On Saturday, investigators found bloodied clothing in an open field in the area where Joslin disappeared on 19 February.

Frantic community members searched sewers and pits in the days following the girl's disappearance. Saldanha Bay Mayor André Truter said an angry mob had been raiding homes and accosting neighbours in search of the child.

A 100,000 rand ($5,200; £4,100) reward has been offered to anyone with information on her whereabouts.

She was left in the care of her mother's boyfriend, Jacquin Appollis, when she went missing.

He could not account for her whereabouts, police said. He has denied involvement in her disappearance.

Joslin's mother had previously told local publication The Daily Voice she was not giving up hope.

"My motherly instincts are telling me my daughter is still alive and in this area. We will find her, I will walk on foot to find her. I will look in every little shack, I'm going to do it by myself if I have to."

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