Joshlin Smith's mother and her co-accused did not take part in the initial extensive search for the missing child in Saldanha Bay, a police officer testified on Friday. 

Investigating officer Sgt Meyer Milstein was continuing his evidence in the high court kidnapping and human trafficking trial of Racquel Chantel “Kelly” Smith, her boyfriend Jacquin “Boeta” Appollis and Steveno van Rhyn.

The search intensified after police discovered a bed sheet and pillowcase with smudges and blood stains on a bed inside the shack the couple shared with Smith's three children at Middelpos informal settlement.

The court heard police received many reports of possible sightings of Joshlin, including at takeaway shops and a local clinic, but the information did not yield successful leads.

“[On February 22,] Mr van Rhyn was interviewed at his residence, and I was present. He indicated he was [at the couple's shack two days earlier] but denied being aware of what happened to Joshlin or that he had any involvement,” said Milstein.