Police continue search for missing Joshlin in Saldanha Bay

Police have reported no further developments in their investigations into the disappearance of Joshlin Smith, having dispatched a team to Saldanha Bay at the weekend to follow up on ‘new’ information.

The six-year-old girl went missing on February 19, 2024 from her home in Saldanha Bay while in the care of convicted child trafficker Jacquen “Boeta” Appollis. Her mother, Racquel “Kelly” Smith, claimed she was at work at the time.

At the weekend police spokesperson Novela Potelwa said: “Western Cape police descended on Middelpos informal settlement in Saldanha Bay on Friday afternoon pursuing emerging information as part of the investigation into the disappearance of Joshlin Smith.

“As SAPS previously stated, even though three individuals, including the mother of the child, were sentenced in May 2025 for kidnapping and human trafficking, the disappearance without trace of the child remained a priority for the SAPS in the Western Cape. Hence, the investigation was never closed.”

Potelwa added that the operation involved a team of detectives, K-9 units, search and rescue personnel, and local police combing through an identified area.

“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.

“A humble plea is made that the search teams be afforded space to perform their duties as the investigation continues.”

Asked about further developments on Sunday, police spokesperson Wesley Twigg said there was nothing to report as the investigation continues.

Joshlin’s paternal grandmother said she was shocked to learn that there were new developments in the case. She only became aware of this from the media and not from the police.

“I didn’t hear anything about this until many people called me. I don’t know what is going on. The police have not said anything to me,” Louretta Yon said.

Joshlin’s disappearance sent shockwaves across the country, with communities rallying in support of the search. Despite three people being convicted, including Appollis and Joshlin’s mother, the little girl’s whereabouts remain unknown.

Cape Times