SAPS detectives are back in Saldanha Bay investigating recent claims about the possible whereabouts of missing child Joshlin Smith, but have found no tangible evidence linked to the six-year-old.
The police said all information received is treated seriously and thoroughly investigated, but warned that none of the numerous leads provided by the public since her disappearance has yielded a breakthrough.
“The investigation into Joshlin Smith’s disappearance remains open and active, despite the sentencing of three accused in May 2024,” said police spokesperson Colonel Andrè Traut.
“Detectives continue to follow up on all information, with extensive efforts undertaken both locally and abroad.”
Joshlin disappeared from her home in Middelpos, Saldanha Bay, on 19 February 2024. She was six years old at the time.
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Her mother, Kelly Smith, along with her boyfriend Jacquen Appollis and Steveno van Rhyn, were arrested shortly after the disappearance. A fourth suspect, Phumza Sigaqa, was also arrested but later had charges withdrawn.
The three accused were found guilty of kidnapping and human trafficking in May 2024 and sentenced to life imprisonment for human trafficking and 10 years for kidnapping. They have since appealed their convictions and sentences.
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During the trial, the state alleged that Joshlin had been sold for human trafficking purposes, though her body has never been found and the circumstances of her disappearance remain unclear.
The case gripped the nation, with extensive searches conducted in Saldanha Bay and surrounding areas. Police have pursued leads both within South Africa and internationally, but Joshlin remains missing more than two years after her disappearance.
SAPS has urged anyone with information to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or use the MySAPS mobile application.
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