Family of missing Scots mum’s torture of ‘not knowing where she is’ after man charged with murder

THE FAMILY of missing mum, Khasha Smith, have said their “hearts are broken not knowing where she is”.

The 35-year-old vanished almost a year ago and last week murder cops charged, John Byrne, 39, in connection with her death after detectives said they believed Khasha to be dead.

3

3

The mum-of-three’s family have described the tragedy as a “nightmare” and vowed to “never stop searching” for the beloved mum.

As they cannot hold a funeral for much loved Khasha they have set up a new fundraiser for a memorial bench for her daughters to visit.

The online appeal has raised almost £1,000 just hours after being launched.

Khasha’s auntie Carrie Duke, who set up the fundraiser, wrote: “Khasha was a kind caring and loving mother to her three children who love and miss her so much. Our hearts are broken not knowing where Khasha is.

“As we, her family cannot put her to rest in form of a funeral, we are hoping to fundraise for a suitable memorial bench to be purchased so her family/friends can have a special place and anyone wishing to pay respects can visit.

“Any extra funds would also be put in form of a trust fund for her children or toward a funeral in the hope that Khasha is found.

“Our nightmare continues and we will never stop searching for Khasha.

“Please donate if you can, with your help, we could provide a special place where Khasha’s daughters, family and friends can go to feel close to her.”

Khasha, from Calder Grove in Edinburgh, was last seen alive on a Facetime call with her family in October 2023.

Worried relatives reported the mum missing in January this year, sparking a major police search.

Cops have been scouring the area near her home in the capital’s Wester Hailes for months.

Specialist officers were drafted in to search a canal and a wooded area amid the operation.

Officers were also seen searching an area near her home.

Earlier this month Police Scotland’s major crime squad launched a fresh search after receiving “specific information” about the case amid fears she had come to harm.

DCI Bob Williamson called on anyone who knows anything about what happened to get in touch.

He said: “Our thoughts remain with Khasha’s family at this extremely difficult time and they continue to be supported by specialist officers.

“They are understandably devastated and it is vital we get answers for them.

“Extensive enquiries remain ongoing to trace Khasha and I would again encourage anyone with any information regarding her disappearance to contact police, as a matter of urgency.

“Any piece of information, no matter how small or insignificant you think it is, could prove vital, so please get in touch.”

To donate to the appeal click here.