Gayton McKenzie slams Kelly Smith as a heartless mother after Western Cape court hands her life sentence for daughter Joslin’s kidnapping in Saldanha Bay

It’s been months since young Joslin Smith vanished without a trace, and the pain surrounding her disappearance still lingers.

Now, a life sentence has been handed down to the people believed to be behind her kidnapping—including her own mother, Kelly Smith.

One of the strongest voices responding to this shocking development has been Gayton McKenzie, South Africa’s Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture.

Gayton’s Emotional Reaction: “Kelly Is a Dark Person”

Over the weekend, Gayton McKenzie took to Facebook Live to share his unfiltered thoughts on the life sentences given to Kelly Smith, Jacquin “Boeta” Appollis, and Steven van Rhyn.

The three were convicted by Judge Nathan Erasmus in the Western Cape High Court for their role in Joslin’s disappearance.

Gayton didn’t hold back. He had visited Saldanha Bay just a week after Joslin vanished on 19 February 2024.

At the time, he even interacted with the suspects before their arrest—trying to understand what had happened and offering help in the search effort.

But in hindsight, he said he felt something was off:

“The moment I met Kelly, I knew she was guilty.

Not because I’m clever, but because I spent my whole youth behind bars. I know what evil looks like.”

He was especially disturbed by her silence in court.

“There’s no real mother who stays silent when her child is missing.

No mother would hold back any information that could bring her child home.”

Still Searching for Joslin—But Justice Has Started

While Joslin herself remains missing, Gayton says the sentencing is a step toward some form of justice.

“We haven’t found Joslin, but we’ve found justice for her,” he said. “And we’re not stopping—this search isn’t over.”

He praised the efforts of the High Court, the state’s legal team, and the community members who worked to bring the truth to light.

Despite the heartbreak, he’s determined to keep Joslin’s name alive and her case active.

“She’ll Eventually Talk”—Gayton Predicts a Confession

In that same Facebook Live, Gayton went further, saying he believes Kelly Smith will eventually confess everything.

“Prison changes people,” he said. “She’s going to rot in jail, and soon she’ll start talking.”

Though the pain of not knowing where Joslin is remains unbearable, Gayton believes the truth is still coming—and he’s not letting go until it does.

A New Foundation in Joslin’s Name

To help turn this tragedy into something meaningful, Gayton recently registered a foundation in Joslin’s name.

The goal? To support families of missing children across South Africa.

He shared online that the organization’s first initiative will help fund the schooling of Joslin’s brother and sister.

“This isn’t just about Joslin anymore,” he said. “It’s about all the children who go missing without anyone to fight for them.”

Can Gayton McKenzie Help Bring Joslin Home?

The question still remains: Will this relentless drive and new foundation lead to Joslin’s return? Many South Africans are holding on to hope and watching closely to see what happens next.