Many social media users insist that the little girl with the light skin and blue-green eyes is Joshlin Smith, despite evidence to the contrary. (Photo: Facebook)
A nine-year-old girl and her family from Elsies River on the Cape Flats are being harassed by social media users after a video of her dancing was shared on TikTok and people in the comments identified her as the missing Joshlin Smith.
The video of Shenikah Jacobs spread like wildfire and since then her life has been turned upside down. Her parents are also accused by social media users of allegedly kidnapping Joshlin.
According to Claudine Coleridge, a community leader in Elsies River, Shenikah used to be part of a dance club, but is now simply too afraid to leave the house because of the harassment she and her parents have to endure.
The family has reportedly also been approached for DNA tests, although Shenikah’s mother has reportedly shown her birth certificate to several people. Social media users even went so far as to call the police to the Jacobs family home this week.
One of Shenikah’s relatives told Maroela Media on Friday that they have lived in Elsies River for years and the community knows her well, “it is the social media users who spread false rumors online and make our lives difficult”.
According to the family member, an unknown person, who is believed to be a social media user, apparently tried to grab Shenikah once in Shoprite while the family was shopping.
The family is also threatened that social media users will find this little girl with light skin and blue-green eyes and hand her over to Gayton Mckenzie.
@simmyplaatjies ♬ original sound – simmyplaatjies
Meanwhile, col. When asked, Andrè Traut, police spokesperson, confirms that the police are aware of the content being distributed on social media.
He did not confirm the allegations of the DNA tests, but did acknowledge the role of social media in generating public interest and possible leads in the investigation of Joshlin.
According to him, it would be “irresponsible” for the police in the Western Cape to respond to every allegation or online narrative created by individuals with limited understanding of investigative processes and policing operations.
Joshlin Smith (left) and Shenikah Jacobs (right). (Compilation/Maroela Media)
Traut also made it clear that the police will not respond to Maroela Media’s detailed list of inquiries.
“The disappearance of Joshlin Smith remains an active and prioritized investigation. Information that comes to the attention of investigators is assessed and, where necessary, followed up through the appropriate processes,” says Traut.