Joslin Smith Update: Reward for information raised to R1M

Patriotic Alliance leader Gayton McKenzie has announced an increased reward of R1 million for information that could help find Joslin Smith. 

HERE IS WHAT WE KNOW ABOUT THE MISSING CASE OF JOSLIN SMITH 

Joslin, from Diazville in Saldanha Bay, went missing on 19 February 2024 while in the care of her mother’s boyfriend.

The search for Joslin, which is still ongoing, brought individuals, NGOs, community activists, police officials, neighbourhood watches and representatives from different spheres of government together in the quest to find the missing Joslin.

POLICE SAID THEY ARE PURSUING MORE SPECIFIC LEADS STEMMING FROM THE ARRESTS 

Police spokesperson Malcolm Pojie last week said they are now focused on pursuing more specific leads stemming from the recent arrests.

He also added on Saturday the forensic results on the bloodied clothes found are still not in. 

HERE IS EVERYTHING WE KNOW ABOUT THE CASE SO FAR: 

Here are the latest developments in the search:

• Six-year-old Joslin was last seen on Monday, 19 February. She was officially reported missing on 20 February.
• Patriotic Alliance leader Gayton Mckenzie said the reward will be increased to R1 million on Monday. 
• Joslin’s school, Diazville Primary School, has urged parents to keep a close eye on their ‘precious possessions’ these school holidays.
• Last week, a 32-year-old woman was also formally charged with kidnapping and human trafficking. She was expected back for her formal bail application on 25 March. 
• Kelly Smith, her boyfriend, Jacquine [Boeta] Appolis, and Steveno van Rhyn are charged with human trafficking and kidnapping.
• The trio is expected back in court on 13 May. 
• There was no sign of any alleged assault on Kelly when she appeared in court. 
• The state has withdrawn charges against the accused number four, Phumza Sigaqa. 
• Bloodied clothing was found and has been sent for forensic testing. Police said the forensic lab results are not in yet. 
• The City of Cape Town has dispatched policing resources in the past month. These include investigators, K9 unit search dogs, Marine Unit members and watercraft, and experienced search and rescue volunteers. Drones will support these teams’ search efforts.
• The Western Cape’s social development department in Saldanha Bay has intervened to keep Joslin’s siblings safe. 
• Police spokesperson Malcolm Pojie said the search for the six-year-old Joslin had been scaled down as the focus is now on following up on leads. 
• Joslin’s mother, Kelly, was asked about allegations of drug abuse inside the family home. Kelly admitted that she and her boyfriend smoked tik but said she had been “clean for a week since Joslin went missing.”