More than two years after the disappearance of 14-year-old Joslin Smith in Saldanha Bay, investigators are pursuing fresh leads

This follows tips from local activists and community figures who believe new evidence may help solve the long-standing mystery.

Police are treating these developments with seriousness, keeping the case active despite previous convictions in connection with the child trafficking and kidnapping.

Background: The Disappearance and Convictions

Joslin Smith vanished from her home in the Middelpos settlement on 19 February 2024.

The following year, her mother, Kelly Smith, along with Jacquin “Boeta” Appollis and Steveno van Rhyn, were sentenced to life imprisonment for kidnapping and trafficking.

Appeals from these convicted individuals have been denied, yet the question of Joslin’s whereabouts remains unresolved.

Community Activism Spurs New Investigation

Community activist Reverend June Dolley-Major and Patriotic Alliance leader Gayton McKenzie have brought forward potential new evidence.

Dolley-Major posted videos of a cadaver dog detecting Joslin’s scent in a local park, and claimed that blood-stained clothing found in nearby dunes tested positive for her DNA.

Retired policeman Danie Krugel also contributed, reportedly using a device capable of tracking missing persons with a single hair strand.

Police have responded by revisiting Saldanha Bay to follow up on these leads.

Western Cape police spokesperson Colonel Andrè Traut emphasized that while no concrete evidence has yet emerged, every tip is pursued diligently.

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“The case remains open and active with detectives pursuing all information both locally and abroad,” he said.

Gayton McKenzie Pushes for Government Attention

Gayton McKenzie, who also serves as Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, has vowed to deliver what he considers evidence to Minister of Police Firoz Cachalia.

McKenzie believes Joslin may have been trafficked, pointing to searches for her birth certificate at home and school in Diazville as an indicator of premeditated activity.

At the recent launch of the Joslin Smith Foundation—a nonprofit aimed at supporting searches for missing persons—McKenzie stressed the importance of community vigilance and government support.

“Let’s hope our prayers are answered and that Joslin is still alive,” he posted on social media.

Impact and Consequences

The renewed attention highlights gaps in South Africa’s ability to protect children from trafficking and the importance of ongoing community involvement.

The case continues to resonate nationally, raising awareness about missing persons and the potential for survivors to be found even years later.

Families of missing children may find encouragement in these developments, and local authorities are under pressure to balance public engagement with careful investigative procedure.

What’s Next?

Investigators will continue examining the dunes, public spaces, and newly surfaced items of potential evidence.

DNA testing, cadaver dog results, and other forensic methods will guide future actions.

The collaboration between activists, former law enforcement, and police may set a precedent for future cases involving missing children.

The Joslin Smith Foundation is expected to play a key role in coordinating resources, awareness campaigns, and support for families.

Summary

The Joslin Smith case has taken a surprising turn with community-driven evidence prompting renewed police investigation.

While the convicted individuals remain in prison, the search for Joslin continues. Activists and authorities are working together, and while no conclusive results have been reported, hope persists that Joslin may still be found.

Bulleted Takeaways

• Joslin Smith disappeared from Saldanha Bay in February 2024.
• Her mother and two others were convicted for kidnapping and trafficking; appeals denied.
• New leads involve blood-stained clothing and cadaver dog findings.
• Activists Gayton McKenzie and June Dolley-Major are aiding the search.
• Police remain actively investigating, treating all new information seriously.
• Joslin Smith Foundation launched to support missing person cases.
• Case highlights ongoing risks of child trafficking and the importance of community involvement.