In the quiet coastal community of Saldanha Bay, northwest of Cape Town, a chilling narrative continues to unfold, more than a year after the disappearance of six-year-old Joshlin Smith on 19 February 2024. The case, which has gripped the nation, has taken numerous disturbing turns, revealing a dark underbelly of human trafficking, betrayal, and the desperate search for answers.
The latest chapter in this saga involves predictions from unexpected corners. Gayton McKenzie, the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, a man with a past that includes time spent in prison, has publicly stated his belief that Racquel “Kelly” Smith, Joshlin’s mother, will eventually confess the full truth about what happened to her daughter. Speaking after Kelly Smith, her boyfriend Jacquen “Boeta” Appollis, and their friend Steveno van Rhyn received life sentences on 29 May 2025 for trafficking and kidnapping, McKenzie suggested that the harsh realities of prison life will break her down. He stated that prison does something to people and that very soon, she will start confessing.
McKenzie’s involvement in the case goes beyond mere commentary. He founded the Joshlin Smith Foundation, dedicated to aiding in the search for the missing girl. He previously offered a substantial reward of R1 million for information leading to Joshlin’s recovery, highlighting his personal investment in resolving this heartbreaking mystery. His conviction stems from his own experiences within the prison system, where he believes the psychological pressures of incarceration can compel individuals to reveal hidden truths.
Adding another layer of intrigue to the case is the claim made by Kandis Starr, a US-based paranormal justice expert, an equivalent version of what we would call a sangoma in South Africa. Starr believes she has connected with Joshlin's spirit whom she said is now dead and has shared videos of her sessions online. According to Starr, Joshlin’s spirit made its presence known in court to Kelly Smith and her co-offenders. Starr claims to have developed a strong connection to Joshlin’s spirit and hopes her messages will bring closure to the loved ones of the little girl.
During a spirit box session, Starr says she communicated with who she believes to be Joshlin. The voice reportedly said things like "Sick mother," "Fights off that man," "I'm hurt, I'm being hurt, I'm just little," "They have money," "Has lied…is a lie," and "They are evil." When asked about past locations, the voice responded with "Landfill…the couch." Starr also asked if "Joshlin" was behind an eerie court incident where a light flickered above the heads of Kelly Smith, Jacquin “Boeta” Appollis, and Steveno van Rhyn. The voice responded: "Yes…I haunt them."
The disappearance of Joshlin Smith sparked one of the most extensive missing person investigations in South African history. Over 300 police officers, including 150 detectives, specialized units, K9 teams, helicopters, drones, and even the South African Navy, were involved. The search extended internationally through Interpol, including a two-and-a-half-day search of a ship in a London port following a reported sighting.
The trial of Kelly Smith, Jacquen Appollis, and Steveno van Rhyn revealed a disturbing narrative. The court heard testimony that Joshlin had been sold for R20,000 to a traditional healer who allegedly wanted the child for her "eyes and light skin." Lourencia "Renz" Lombaard, who initially was an accused, turned state witness and testified that Smith had confessed to selling Joshlin to a sangoma and had offered her R1,000 to keep quiet about the transaction. Further adding to the shocking details, a local pastor revealed that Kelly Smith had spoken about plans to sell her three children for R20,000 each in 2023.
The sentencing occurred during National Child Protection Week, underscoring the importance of the ruling in the broader context of child safety and justice. Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi released an official statement, calling the sentencing "a measure of justice in what has been one of the most distressing and emotionally charged cases in recent memory." She added, "Our hearts remain heavy for Joshlin and for every child who suffers harm… No court ruling can undo the trauma or return what was lost. But today's sentence sends a strong and clear message that those who violate the innocence and trust of our children will face the full consequences of the law."
Despite the convictions and sentences, the pain and uncertainty persist. Joshlin’s father and the community remain devastated that she is still missing, with no answers as to her whereabouts. Western Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Thembisile Patekile, has affirmed that the search for Joshlin is ongoing, a testament to the unwavering commitment to finding her.
In a move to protect children, Judge Erasmus ordered that the names of all three convicted individuals be entered into the National Child Protection Register. This measure prevents them from having any contact with children in the future, reflecting the court's determination to safeguard vulnerable members of society.
The emotional toll of Joshlin’s disappearance and the subsequent trial has been particularly devastating for Amanda Smith-Daniels, Joshlin’s grandmother. She has been grappling with severe psychological trauma and has been admitted to a psychiatric facility for treatment for severe depression. Smith-Daniels expressed her anguish, stating that her pillow is riddled with tears and that she lies awake every night praying for Joshlin.
Since the sentencing, Kelly Smith has reportedly cut off all ties with her mother, even sending police officers to deliver the message that she wanted no further contact. Smith-Daniels believes her daughter blames her for what she said in court, but she maintains that she only told the truth.
In her victim impact statement, Smith-Daniels laid bare the emotional destruction caused by her daughter's actions. She spoke of the constant pain and worry, the sleepless nights, and the feeling of having her heart ripped out of her body. She also recounted how Smith's son wished her a happy Mother’s Day while she was behind bars, highlighting the profound impact on the entire family.
Smith-Daniels is now responsible for raising Smith's two other children, Rachelle and Racquen. She has yet to tell Rachelle the full truth about what happened to her sister, while Racquen is aware of the situation and is receiving psychological support to help him cope. Smith-Daniels lives with constant fear and anxiety for the safety of her grandchildren, feeling the need to be present at their school to ensure their well-being.
The case of Joshlin Smith has not only exposed the dark realities of human trafficking but has also highlighted the resilience of a community determined to find justice and closure.
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