Joshlin Smith: Two years later, a community haunted by unanswered questions

“Things will never be the same in the community. We knew we had our flaws, but now it’s like we cannot trust anyone. We are scared for our own children.”

These were the words of Saldanha Bay resident Jocretia Valentine, two years after the small town made headlines with the disappearance of then six-year-old Joshlin Smith. 

The green-eyed girl, who was in Grade 1 at Diazville Primary School, was last seen just after 5pm at her home in Middelpos on February 19, 2024. 

The search for Joshlin caused a national outcry, and people from near and far descended on the small fishing town in hopes of finding her. 

During a visit to Saldanha Bay this week, residents told IOL that they remain hopeful she will be found. 

Joshlin was described as a quiet little girl who was kind, loved music and dancing by her grandmother, Lauretta Yon. 

Yon, who is Joshlin's paternal grandmother, said the family seeks clarity on her whereabouts so that, spiritually, they can be at ease. Whether good or bad, they just need her home. 

About a month after her disappearance, Joshlin’s mother, Kelly Smith, her boyfriend, Jacquen ‘Boeta’ Appollis, and their friend Steveno van Rhyn were arrested. 

A fourth person, Phumza Sigaqa, was also arrested; however, charges were withdrawn against her. 

Later, another woman, Laurentia ‘Renz’ Lombaard, was arrested. 

The arrests saw the community baying for blood as hundreds of people made their way to attend court proceedings at the Vredenburg Magistrate’s Court. 

While people were angry, they just wanted answers on the whereabouts of Joshlin. 

As the case faced countless postponements, a bombshell was dropped in October 2024, when Lombaard turned state witness. 

She confirmed the suspicions of the State that Joshlin was sold for R20,000 by Smith. Lombaard said the money was to be split among the group. 

The case was transferred to the Western Cape High Court.

The landmark trial started in March 2025 at the White City Multipurpose Centre in Saldanha. 

On May 2, 2025, Smith,  Appollis and van Rhyn were convicted on charges of kidnapping and trafficking in persons. 

Loud cheers could be heard across the hall. 

They were sentenced to life imprisonment for trafficking in persons, plus 10 years for the kidnapping on May 29. 

Lombaard, who turned state witness, was granted indemnity by Judge Nathan Erasmus on August 13, 2025, in the Western Cape High Court. 

But, while all court proceedings are over, the ultimate question still lingers: Where is Joshlin and will we ever find her?

Valentine told IOL the incident has left many scarred for life. 

“While they may be in prison, we keep our faith and pray that Joshlin is safe and found soon,” she said. 

Police spokesperson Andrè Traut said the investigation into Joshlin’s disappearance remains a priority. 

“The disappearance of Joshlin Smith remains under investigation until the South African Police Service (SAPS) has reached a meaningful conclusion. All information and leads that come to the attention of detectives are diligently followed up, in an effort to locate Joshlin,” Traut said.

Cape Times