Police have launched a fresh appeal for information on a missing mum-of-three who was last seen almost a year ago amid ongoing fears over the “possibility that she may have come to harm”.
A number of public appeals have been issued in the search for Khasha Smith, but so far she is yet to be found.
Ms Smith was reported missing from Calder Grove in Edinburgh on 5 January.
Concerns had been raised by her family, who had not heard from her since 4 November 2023.
She was last seen to be safe and well during a FaceTime call with a friend on 10 October last year.
Police Scotland said she had never gone missing before.
On Wednesday afternoon, members of the investigative team and specialist search advisors were out in force within the Calder Grove area as part of a fresh appeal for information.
Detective Chief Inspector Bob Williamson said: “We continue to follow up several lines of inquiry and are working to find answers for Khasha’s family.
“As with every missing person inquiry, all aspects of Khasha’s life have been and continue to be explored.”
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‘Would not miss her daughter’s birthday’
Det Chief Insp Williamson added: “We know she would never miss events such as her daughter’s birthday and Christmas and we have to consider the possibility that she may have come to harm.
“We are constantly evaluating and exploring all the information we have and remain open-minded. We are doing everything we can to find her.”
Ms Smith was 35-years-old at the time she went missing.
In March this year, Ms Smith’s mum and daughter made a heartfelt plea for information to help pinpoint Ms Smith’s whereabouts and last movements.
Family are ‘sick with worry’
Her mum, Nicola Neil, said the family were “all sick with worry” and “living a nightmare”.
She said the waiting was “unbearable”, adding: “It’s hard to find the words to explain the ‘not knowing’ where she is and if anything has happened to her.”
Ms Smith’s daughter, Calley Smith, marked her 18th birthday without hearing from her mum.
‘I’m living the worst dream I could imagine’
The teenager said: “She would never miss my birthday, my sisters’ birthdays, or Christmas. It’s just not her.”
She added: “It feels like I’m living the worst dream I could ever imagine.”
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Ms Smith is around 5ft tall, slim, and has long blonde hair and blue eyes.
She also has tattoos, one of which is visible on her right wrist and says “forever”.
Police Scotland has issued several public appeals, with officers checking a potential sighting in the Slateford area of the capital between 21 and 24 November.
Ms Smith is known to visit the Gorgie, Broomhouse and Wester Hailes areas of Edinburgh.
National resources including underwater unit employed
In January, officers distributed and pinned up posters in the local area to remind people she remained missing and to spark anyone’s memory if they had seen her.
A number of national resources have also been used in the search for Ms Smith, including the dog branch, underwater unit and specialist search officers.
