Private Investigator Disputes McKenzie's Claims in Joshlin Smith Search
Langebaan, Western Cape – A private investigator, Tyrone Power, has publicly refuted claims made by Patriotic Alliance (PA) leader Gayton McKenzie regarding his involvement in the search for missing six-year-old Joshlin Smith. McKenzie had stated that he appointed Power to continue the search, a claim Power vehemently denies, asserting he volunteers his services to Joshlin's family and was never formally hired by McKenzie.
Joshlin Smith disappeared from Middelpos in Saldanha on 19 February 2024. Her mother, Kelly Smith, Jacquen “Boeta” Appollis, and Steveno van Rhyn have since been convicted of kidnapping and human trafficking in connection with her disappearance, yet Joshlin herself remains unfound.
At the recent launch of the Joshlin Smith Foundation in Saldanha, McKenzie informed attendees that a private investigator had been appointed to pursue new leads. However, Power, a Langebaan-based private investigator, clarified on Thursday that he was not the individual McKenzie referred to as having been hired.
"I read things in the media and wonder whether Gayton is talking about me or perhaps about someone else he did appoint. I work for free for Joshlin’s family and was not appointed by him. Some of the things he says, I did not say," Power stated, expressing his confusion over McKenzie's assertions.
Power also dismissed claims attributed to him in the media about discovering "new evidence." He confirmed that he has shared all his leads directly with the police. This comes after McKenzie announced on his Facebook page yesterday morning that "private investigators have been appointed to investigate the disappearance of Joshlin Smith."
McKenzie further claimed that "an experienced detective has found important evidence indicating another person’s involvement, as well as a white minibus linked to her disappearance." He added, "Despite the circumstances, we still believe Joshlin is alive and the search will continue until she is found."
McKenzie had previously asserted in a Facebook broadcast to PA members on 28 December that he possessed new information regarding Joshlin’s disappearance. The reason for the nearly 80-day delay in relaying this information to Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia remains unclear. It appears Cachalia is currently abroad, but McKenzie did send him an email containing the information.
Power, who owns a fish shop in Langebaan, began his independent search for Joshlin in June of the previous year, driven by a deep concern for her family and the unsettling nature of her disappearance. "It bothers him that she just vanished," according to City Press’ sister publication, Rapport. The publication also reported that McKenzie had indicated Power’s investigation suggested Joshlin was still alive and that Lourentia “Renz” Lombaard, a state witness, was now prepared to reveal her whereabouts. McKenzie further alleged that Lombaard, in conversation with Power, implicated her boyfriend as the true mastermind, supposedly due to him assaulting their child, and was now "prepared to tell the truth."
However, Power directly contradicted these statements. "Renz never said she wanted to talk to the police or that her child was assaulted. That’s not true. I also did not say Joshlin is still alive. I said I regard her as alive until we have forensic evidence that proves the contrary," Power clarified. He also confirmed that he had seen Lombaard and her boyfriend three weeks prior. The boyfriend's name had frequently arisen during the initial stages of the investigation but he was never charged.
Power revealed that he had already handed over the "new information" McKenzie referenced on Sunday to Brigadier Makhaya Mkabile of the organised crime unit in the Western Cape on 11 March. "On the same day, I sent the information to a lawyer I know, as well as to McKenzie’s lawyer – solely for a legal opinion. I never heard back from them," Power claimed. He believes he has gathered significant leads regarding Joshlin's potential location and is awaiting further action from the police.
Power first shared his evidence and progress with McKenzie on 11 March and met him in person for the first time on Sunday at the launch of the Joshlin Smith Foundation. He is keen to correct the misconception that McKenzie remunerates him for his efforts. Power recounted an evening when a man approached him at his fish shop, asking if the contact number on his receipt was his. "I said yes, whereupon he said someone was going to call me. Two minutes later, a man called and said he was Gayton McKenzie," Power claimed. McKenzie reportedly offered to assist him with "resources."
"I told him I do things on my own," Power stated. Later, when his investigation required him to travel to the Eastern Cape, Power sought McKenzie's assistance with travel and accommodation costs. He clarified that this was not a formal agreement but an acceptance of help to cover his expenses. McKenzie provided financial assistance for his expenses on three separate occasions, for which Power expressed gratitude.
However, Power drew a clear distinction between expense coverage and payment for his work. "I think his intentions were good and I appreciate that he was kind enough to pay for the S&Ts [subsistence and travel allowances], but S&Ts and payment for my time and work are two different things. S&Ts are not a lot of money," Power explained. Consequently, he has decided to sever ties with McKenzie, reiterating his sole focus: "I just want to find the girl."
Brigadier Novela Potelwa confirmed that the investigation into Joshlin Smith's disappearance remains active. Despite numerous leads, including some internationally, no significant breakthrough has been made. Eric Ntabazalila, spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), stated that they are satisfied with the prosecution and punishment of those responsible for Joshlin’s disappearance. He added that all suspects, including the boyfriend, were investigated, but insufficient evidence prevented further prosecutions.
Follow Us on Twitter
