Joshlin Smith: Police Say Investigation Into Missing Girl’s Case Remains Active

Despite life sentences being handed down to the three people convicted in connection with her disappearance, Joshlin Smith remains missing—and police insist the search is far from over.

The six-year-old girl vanished from her home in Middelpos, Saldanha Bay, in February 2024, sparking nationwide concern and widespread media coverage. Over a year later, South African police, alongside international law enforcement agencies, continue their efforts to find out what happened to her.

Life Sentences Handed Down—but No Closure Yet for Joshlin Smith

On Thursday, Kelly Smith (Joshlin’s mother), Jacquen Appollis, and Steveno van Rhyn were each sentenced to life in prison after being convicted of kidnapping and human trafficking in a trial that captured the country’s attention. While the sentencing was welcomed by many, it did not bring full closure to the haunting question that still lingers: Where is Joshlin Smith?

In his statement following the sentencing, Western Cape Police Commissioner Thembisile Patekile reaffirmed the police’s commitment to locating the missing child.

“We are continuing day and night looking for Joshlin. We’ve been outside the country. We are with Interpol and policing agencies around the world,” said Patekile, emphasizing that the investigation is still very much ongoing.

Police efforts have extended beyond South Africa’s borders. Patekile revealed that local law enforcement is now working closely with Interpol and international partners to pursue any leads that could help locate Joshlin. These collaborations aim to uncover not only her whereabouts but also the full scope of the human trafficking network implicated in her case.

According to Patekile, “We will not rest until we find out what happened to Joshlin. This case remains a top priority.”

His comments come amid growing public demand for transparency and accountability in the investigation. Many community members in Saldanha Bay have voiced their frustration and grief, saying that justice will only truly be served once Joshlin is found and the complete truth about her disappearance is known.

Testimony Reveals Chilling Details of Joshlin Smith’s Disappearance

During the trial, the court heard disturbing testimony from Lourencia Lombaard, a former accused who turned state witness. Lombaard claimed that Kelly Smith sold her daughter Joshlin to a sangoma (traditional healer) for R20,000, a shocking allegation that added a new layer of horror to the already devastating case.

Although this testimony contributed to the convictions, the child has not been located, and no further arrests related to the alleged transaction have been confirmed by authorities.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said that the sentences reflect the severity of the crimes and are meant to send a strong message to those involved in child exploitation and trafficking.

In a public statement, the NPA said, “Protecting children is everyone’s responsibility. The outcome of the Joshlin Smith case reinforces our justice system’s commitment to holding perpetrators accountable.”

Commissioner Patekile also took time to thank the community of Saldanha Bay for their continued involvement and vigilance throughout the investigation and trial. He praised local residents for playing a crucial role in ensuring that those responsible were brought to justice.

“The community has been instrumental in supporting the investigation. We acknowledge their pain and persistence, and we continue to work with them to bring this case to a close,” Patekile said.

Still, many residents remain unsatisfied, arguing that justice has not been fully served until Joshlin Smith is found. Local activist groups and organizations such as Save the Children South Africa have echoed this sentiment, saying that the court’s decision, while appropriate, is only one part of a much larger mission.

In a statement following the sentencing, Save the Children remarked, “These sentences fit the crime. However, the search for Joshlin must continue until the truth is fully uncovered.”

The Joshlin Smith case has stirred deep emotions across South Africa. It has sparked broader conversations around child safety, human trafficking, and the responsibilities of both the state and society in protecting the most vulnerable.

As the search continues, police are urging anyone with information to come forward. Authorities stress that no tip is too small and that even the slightest detail could be key to solving the mystery of what happened to Joshlin.

For now, while justice has been served in the courtroom, the most pressing question remains unanswered: Where is Joshlin Smith?

Source – EWN