Saldanha Bay residents haven't given up hope of finding Joshlin Smith alive, says community leader

CAPE TOWN - The Saldanha Bay community in the Western Cape held a church service to pray for missing six-year-old Joshlin Smith on the eve of her birthday this week.

Joshlin disappeared from her Middelpos home in Saldanha Bay eight months ago.

The little girl's mother, Kelly Smith, Jacquen Appolis, Stevano van Rhyn and Lourencia Lombaard have since been arrested and charged with kidnapping and human trafficking.

They are due back in court on Monday.

Community leader Vernon Vraagom said that Saldanha Bay residents had not given up hope for Joshlin.

"We still hope that she's still alive. We're having the church service to pray that God must protect Joshlin wherever she is, and yes, it is her birthday on the 23rd of October and that is the feeling of the community."