A MAN has been charged in connection with the death of Edinburgh mum Khasha Smith almost a year after she went missing.
The 35-year-old was last seen alive on a Facetime call with her family in October 2023.
Worried relatives reported her 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.
Cops were also seen searching an area in Calder Grove, Edinburgh.
But detectives from Police Scotland’s major crime squad launched a fresh search this week after receiving "specific information" about the case amid fears she had come to harm.
After the extensive probe, police say they believe Khasha is dead but her body has yet to be found.
A 39-year-old man was arrested yesterday amid the massive investigation.
Cops confirmed today he has since been charged in connection with her death.
He is due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Monday.
Cops are continuing to appeal for information about Khasha’s disappearance.
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.”
KHASHA Smith was reported missing in January, but hadn't been in touch with family for months, sparking the urgent police search.
Early October 2023: Khasha was in contact regularly with family through text messages.
October 10, 2023: The last confirmed sighting of Khasha Smith.
November 1-4, 2023: Last contact made with family members according to Police Scotland.
January 5, 2024: Khasha officially reported missing after worried family members alerted cops to the disappearance.
January 7, 2024: Police launch public appeal over growing concern for Khasha's welfare.
January 9, 2024: Cops issued a re-appeal after checking a potential sighting in Slateford between 21 and 24 of November, 2023.
January 11, 2024: A major search is launched as an insider revealed fears Khasha may have came to serious harm after specialist officers were seen leaving her home.
January 12, 2024: Murder cops are drafted in over growing concern over Khasha's safety.
Specialist cops are spotted searching metal containers on Calder Grove.
Sources claim a "person of interest" has "gone off grid" as the search is stepped up with sniffer dogs deployed.
January 21, 2024: Specialist officers were seen carrying out a fingertip search of a wooded area and car park close to her home
January 24, 2024: Khasha has been officially missing for three months.
Specialist cops search the canal and a culvert near the Union Canal less than one hundred yards from the mum-of-three's home.
March 4, 2024: Khasha's daughter Calley Smith and mum Nicola Neil make a desperate and emotional appeal for information.
Her distraught daughter revealed her heartbreak after her mum recently missed her 18th birthday.
September 4, 2024: Specialist cops ramp up their search for the missing mum 11 months on amid fears she "may have been harmed".
Officers working to find Khasha search an area in Calder Grove, Edinburgh.
In March of this year, Khasha’s devastated family made a desperate plea for information about her whereabouts.
Khasha’s heartbroken mum Nicola Neil and daughter Calley Smith pleaded with anyone to contact police with any information about her whereabouts and her last movements.
They said Khasha’s disappearance has been a "living nightmare" for them as they described her as a "brilliant mum".
Her distraught daughter also revealed her heartbreak after her mum recently missed her 18th birthday.
"It is vital we get answers for them."
DCI Bob Williamson
In March, her daughter Calley said: We miss her so much. We want nothing more than my mum to walk through the door and to be able to give her a massive hug.
"It feels like I’m living the worst dream I could ever imagine.
“I can’t express what it would mean to have my mum home. Even the smallest piece of information might be all we need to find her.
“So I’m asking anyone with any information – please come forward and help the police bring my mum home for me, my sisters and the rest of the family.”
Anyone with information is asked to call Police Scotland on 101 quoting incident number 3915 of 5 January 2024.
Alternatively information can be passed anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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