Missing Saldanha Bay girl Joslin Smith turns nine today, Friday, 23 October, more than two-and-a-half years after she vanished from her Middelpos home.
The Grade 1 learner was just six when she disappeared on 19 February 2024, sparking a nationwide search.
Three people, including her mother, are now serving life sentences for human trafficking, but the mystery surrounding Joslin’s whereabouts remains unsolved.
JOSLIN SMITH CASE: LIFE SENTENCES BUT NO CLOSURE
On 29 May 2025, the Western Cape High Court sentenced Racquel “Kelly” Smith, her boyfriend Jacquen Appollis and Steveno van Rhyn to life imprisonment for human trafficking.
Judge Nathan Erasmus also handed each a 10-year sentence for kidnapping, to run concurrently.
The court later dismissed their application for leave to appeal their convictions and sentences.
However, investigators have yet to establish what happened to Joslin or where she was taken.
FRESH EVIDENCE CLAIMS RAISE QUESTIONS
In September, social justice activist Reverend June Dolley-Major revealed that volunteer search teams had recovered several items from dunes in Saldanha Bay.
These included clothing, a school ribbon, plastic bags and pieces of material.
Dolley-Major claimed preliminary testing indicated possible traces of Joslin’s DNA on some items.
Police have not independently confirmed those findings.
Western Cape police spokesperson Colonel André Traut said investigators would assess any information with potential evidential value.
“Our priority remains to follow up every credible lead, establish the facts and ultimately find Joshlin,” Traut said.
The missing persons investigation remains open.
ANOTHER BIRTHDAY WITHOUT ANSWERS
Speaking in September, Dolley-Major also raised concerns about the approaching birthday.
“Another birthday where people who love her will have to live with questions that should never have had to be asked,” she said.
The activist called for further forensic testing and a thorough search of areas where possible evidence was recovered.
Meanwhile, anyone with information about Joslin’s disappearance can contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or use the MySAPS app.