The story of Joslin Smith, the blonde-haired, green-eyed girl who vanished from Diazville in Saldanha Bay last February, has taken another troubling turn.
A forthcoming book about her disappearance, Joslin Smith: Echoes of A Missing Child, has sparked outrage, with critics accusing the author of profiting from the family’s tragedy.
Family Tragedy and Convictions
Joslin’s disappearance has already shaken the community.
Earlier this year, her mother, Kelly Smith, along with Jacquin “Boeta” Appollis and Steveno van Rhyn, were sentenced to life in prison by the Western Cape High Court for kidnapping and child trafficking.
Their requests for leave to appeal were denied, cementing the grim chapter in Joslin’s story.
Petition Launched to Halt the Book
Monthany Hendricks, founder and president of Atlantis Search and Rescue, has called for the book to be stopped.
Hendricks launched a petition this week, arguing that the book was written without the family’s consent and seeks to “profit from the pain” of those affected by Joslin’s disappearance.
The petition reads: “Families dealing with the disappearance of a loved one deserve empathy, support, and privacy – not exploitation for monetary gain.
Greg’s book not only shows disregard for the affected family’s feelings but also contributes to the commodification of personal and heartbreaking tragedies, turning them into opportunities for profit.”
Hendricks urged the public and bookstores to boycott the book, emphasizing that the fight is about “ethical standards and protecting the dignity of those in unimaginable pain.”
Author Responds to Criticism
Greg Wells-Clifton, founder of the charitable foundation Pay It Forward and author of the book, defended his work amid the backlash.
He told IOL that the book will chronicle his experiences, searches, and interactions since learning of Joslin’s case in February 2024.
While Wells-Clifton has met and spoken to Joslin’s parents, including prison interviews with her mother, he stated, “I never met Joslin.”
Book Details and Controversial Claims
The book is set for release on December 1, with print copies priced at R410 and digital copies at R380.
Pre-orders offer a personalized message and “autograph” from the author.
Earlier this year, Wells-Clifton shared images of a girl he claimed was Joslin on social media.
These posts were widely criticized for potentially hindering the ongoing investigation into her disappearance.
Community Questions Ethics of the Book
The situation raises uncomfortable questions about the ethics of profiting from real-life tragedies.
Many are now asking whether it is possible to tell such stories without exploiting those left behind, especially families already grappling with unimaginable loss.
