Western Cape police said that it is pursuing new information as part of the investigation into the disappearance of seven-year-old Joshlin Smith. In a statement, provincial SAPS said that officers descended on Middelpos informal settlement in Saldanha Bay on Friday afternoon.
PICRTURED: Joshlin SmithIn May 2025, the Western Cape High Court sentenced
Joshlin's mother, Racquel “Kelly” Smith, Smith's boyfriend Jacquin “Boeta”
Appollis, and Steveno van Rhyn, received life sentences for the kidnapping and
trafficking of Joshlin.
Police said despite the trio being sentenced, the search
continues for the little girl.
“SAPS teams led by detectives with K-9 members, search and
rescue teams and local police have been scouring an identified area in Saldanha
Bay. Whether the ongoing search will yield any success 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,” said Brigadier Novela Potelwa,
Western Cape police spokesperson.
Western Cape SAPS appealed to the public to allow officers
space “to perform their duties as the investigation continues.”
The trial will return to court on 12 & 13 August, where
the Western Cape High Court will hear applications to appeal their judgment and
sentence. The Section 204 Inquiry will also be heard to determine whether the
state witness, Lourentia Lombaard, will be granted indemnity from prosecution.
Done By: Mitchum George
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