McKenzie vows to continue search for Joshlin Smith despite convictions
The high-profile trial concerning the abduction and trafficking of six-year-old Joshlin Smith concluded on Friday with three individuals, Racquel “Kelly” Smith, her boyfriend Jacquen “Boeta” Appollis, and their friend Steveno van Rhyn convicted in the Western Cape High Court.
The trio was found guilty of kidnapping and human trafficking, following Joshlin’s disappearance from her home in Middelpos, Saldanha Bay, on 19 February 2024.
Despite the convictions, Patriotic Alliance leader and Minister of Sports, Arts, and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, has vowed to continue the search for Joshlin, maintaining his belief that she is still alive. “It’s not over,” McKenzie asserted, reaffirming his commitment. He has previously offered a R1 million reward for information leading to Joshlin’s safe return and has personally financed search operations, including helicopters and sniffer dogs.
Rejecting claims that Joshlin was sold for muthi (traditional medicine), McKenzie has alleged that the true orchestrator behind her disappearance is Ayanda Letoni, the ex-boyfriend of state witness Lourentia Lombaard. He further made controversial accusations implicating the Saldanha Bay mayor claims which remain unsubstantiated.
The case has captivated national attention, further complicated by McKenzie’s outspoken and hands-on approach. Police investigator Captain Wesley Lombard testified that McKenzie’s social media commentary and viral misinformation, particularly on TikTok, disrupted the official investigation. McKenzie has countered that he only intervened after authorities allegedly abandoned the case within six days of the child’s disappearance. He claims to have used his own resources to help identify and apprehend suspects.