Western Cape Police Follow Up New Leads in Search for Joslin Smith, South Africans Remain Hopeful
- Police in the Western Cape are following up on new leads in the investigation into Joslin Smith's disappearance
- Officers recently searched an area in Middelpos, the last place Joslin was seen alive in February 2024
- South Africans remain hopeful that the little girl will be found safe, but questioned police's methods
Source: Getty Images
Briefly News journalist Byron Pillay has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He spent 10 years working for the Northern Natal Courier before transitioning to online journalism.
WESTERN CAPE - The search for Joslin Smith continues.
The little girl from Middelpos, Saldanha Bay, was last seen on 19 February 2024. While her mother, Kelly, Steveno van Rhyn, and Jacquin Appollis were arrested in connection with her disappearance and subsequently charged and sentenced, the six-year-old was never found.
With Kelly refusing to reveal what happened to her daughter, questions have been raised about where the little girl is, but police have not given up.
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Are police still searching for Joslin?
Police in the province confirmed that they were following up on new information related to Joslin’s disappearance. According to police spokesperson Brigadier Novela Potelwa, officers returned to the Middelpos informal settlement on Friday, 25 July 2025, as investigations continue.
“We are continuing to follow up leads to find the child,” Potelwa said.
It has been reported that police searched two drains in the area: one inside Middelpos and one just outside the informal settlement.
“Whether the ongoing search will yield any successes remains to be seen. It is worth reiterating that police have an obligation to follow up and test all information that is brought to their attention,” Potelwa added.
What you need to know about the Joslin Smith trial
- Lourencia Lombaard testified that a sangoma wanted Joslin for her eyes and skin.
- Advocate Rinesh Sivnarain accused Lombaard of being the mastermind behind Joslin’s disappearance.
- Appollis detailed how police allegedly tortured him while he was at the Sea Border offices.
- One of the defence lawyers alleged that police told Van Rhyn and Appollis what to say in their statements.
- Judge Nathan Erasmus ruled that statements made by Appollis and Van Rhyn may be admitted as evidence.
- Kelly and her two co-accused were found guilty of human trafficking and kidnapping.
- Kelly claimed that the witnesses lied, accused the court of being biased, and even said her lawyer was incompetent.
Source: Getty Images
How did South Africans react?
While social media users remain hopeful that Joslin will be found safe, others questioned why police were publishing updates about the investigation.
Mduduzi Orchard Ndlovu asked:
“Is it necessary to publish the details of the investigation?”
Sandile Motlokoa Wabakgalali said:
“Eish, this update. Hopefully, it doesn't give those criminals a heads up.”
Landie Jan Vorster asked:
“And what did they find in the drains?”
Maria Podestà Gobozi stated:
“Please, South African Police Service, don't let this case go cold.”
Mabuza Mshengu Shabalala questioned:
“But how does publishing their leads help the case?”
Lizeka Gubayo added:
“Does the word confidential still exist? Why publish everything going on with their cases? We want to hear the outcome, not this.”
Kayakazi Dasi asked:
“Why are they telling the media? Because the perpetrators probably read newspapers too.”
Themba Felix Windvoel recalled:
“My five-year-old would ask me, Papa, where's Joslin? Every day the story was on the news.”
Andiswa Andy said:
“I pray and hope they find her.”
Gloria Mhlongo questioned:
“Why are the police advertising it? The criminals are going to run now. I hope she's found alive.”
Smith, Appollis, van Rhyn to return to court
Briefly News reported that Smith, Appollis, and van Rhyn will appear in the Western Cape High Court in August 2025.
The lawyers for the convicted trio filed applications for leave to appeal their convictions and sentencing.
Smith, Appollis and van Rhyn were found guilty of human trafficking and kidnapping and sentenced to life behind bars.
Source: Briefly News
