In a gripping update to the Joshlin Smith case, Minister Gayton McKenzie claims to possess "very credible information" about the disappearance of the six-year-old from Saldanha Bay in February 2024. This breakthrough, stemming from a privately funded investigation, is shrouded in controversy, especially given the delays surrounding the Joshlin Smith Foundation, which McKenzie pledged to fund with his ministerial salary (R2.5 million annually).
The announcement has ignited both hope and skepticism. Is this a genuine lead that could finally bring closure, or is it a calculated political move? The Patriotic Alliance's (PA) involvement in the case during the 2024 election campaign adds another layer of complexity.
The tragic story of Joshlin Smith began on February 19, 2024, when she was reported missing from her home in Diazville, Saldanha Bay. Her mother, Racquel “Kelly” Smith, initially claimed she left Joshlin in the care of her boyfriend, Jacquen “Boeta” Appollis. A massive search ensued, but the investigation soon took a dark turn with the discovery of blood-stained clothing.
Kelly Smith, Jacquen Appollis, and Steveno van Rhyn were ultimately found guilty of human trafficking and kidnapping, with Kelly Smith identified as the "mastermind." Laurentia “Renz” Lombaard, initially an accused, became a state witness, testifying that Kelly sold Joshlin for R20,000. Judge Nathan Erasmus granted her indemnity. The absence of remorse from the convicted traffickers and the heartbreaking victim impact statements underscored the cruelty of the crime. Despite life sentences and the dismissal of their appeal, the search for Joshlin continues. Brigadier Novela Potelwa confirmed the case remains a priority.
The community, including Kelly’s friend Josephine Brown, lives in fear, while Joshlin’s paternal grandmother, Rita Yon, desperately seeks answers and a proper burial for her granddaughter. As the nation awaits further details from Minister McKenzie, the question remains: Will this lead to the truth about what happened to Joshlin Smith?
What do you think about this latest development in the Joshlin Smith case? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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