Police in the Western Cape have returned to Saldanha Bay to investigate new information in the search for missing seven-year-old Joshlin Smith, who disappeared in February 2024.
Fresh clues revive hope in Joshlin Smith case
This comes months after her mother, Kelly Smith, and two others were convicted of kidnapping and human trafficking.
According to a statement from Western Cape SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Novela Potelwa, officers, together with canine units, search and rescue teams, and local police, began combing the Middelpos informal settlement on Friday afternoon. The renewed search follows unconfirmed leads that have not yet been tested.
Joshlin vanished from Saldanha, a coastal town in South Africa, on 19 February 2024.
Her disappearance sparked national concern and a series of search operations, but no physical trace of her has ever been found.
Brigadier Potelwa explained that although three people, including Joshlin’s mother, were sentenced in May 2025, the case remains open because the child herself is still missing.
“Whether the ongoing search will yield any success remains to be seen,” Potelwa said. “Police have an obligation to follow up and test all information that is brought to their attention.”
The police are asking the public to give them space as the investigation continues.
State believes Joshlin may still be alive
State prosecutor Zelda Swanepoel recently stated during a National Freedom Network (NFN) webinar that she believes Joshlin is still alive. Swanepoel based her belief on the results of previous forensic searches.
“Everything that was found in all of those dunes, all the bones, all the clothing, was analysed [and] there were no positive DNA results found on anything,” she said.
While the convicted individuals — Kelly Smith, Jacquen Appollis, and Steveno van Rhyn — are now appealing their life sentences, Swanepoel said any new information could lead to further prosecutions.
“If we now receive any other evidence or information… as to who Joshlin was sold to or delivered to… we will still be able to prosecute all of those people.”
Even though a court case concluded and sentences were handed down, legal experts confirm that the law allows new charges to be brought if new evidence emerges.
Joshlin’s disappearance continues to draw national attention, with many hoping that new developments may finally provide answers.