Western Cape police have confirmed that there is still no new information regarding the disappearance of Joslin Smith, despite claims by Patriotic Alliance leader Gayton McKenzie that he is in possession of fresh details about the case. The confirmation has reignited public debate and frustration around one of South Africa’s most heartbreaking missing child cases.
Joslin Smith went missing on 19 February 2024 from her home in the Middelpos informal settlement in Saldanha Bay. Her disappearance triggered a massive search operation and drew national attention, with communities, activists and political figures calling for urgent action. Nearly two years later, the mystery surrounding her whereabouts remains unresolved.
Although Joslin’s mother, Kelly Smith, along with two co-accused, were convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment for her kidnapping and trafficking, police have never been able to locate the child. The lack of physical evidence confirming what happened to Joslin has left many South Africans deeply unsettled.
On 8 January 2026, Western Cape SAPS spokesperson Colonel Andrè Traut addressed the public following renewed attention on the case. He confirmed that the police had not received any new information related to Joslin’s disappearance. This statement came after Gayton McKenzie claimed during a live broadcast that he had new information about the case, though he did not reveal any specifics.
Colonel Traut emphasised that the investigation remains open and active. He stated that detectives will continue working on the case until a meaningful conclusion is reached, adding that police are committed to following up on any credible leads that may emerge.
Gayton McKenzie has been closely associated with the Joslin Smith case since the early days of her disappearance. In March 2024, he organised a prayer service in Saldanha Bay and announced a R1 million reward for information that could lead to finding the missing girl. He also pledged to donate his parliamentary salary to establish the Joslin Smith Foundation, aimed at supporting efforts to locate her and assist other missing children.
McKenzie has repeatedly denied interfering with the police investigation, insisting that his involvement was at the request of law enforcement. He has also vowed to continue searching for Joslin, even after her mother and others were convicted.
The police’s latest update sparked strong reactions on social media. Many South Africans questioned why McKenzie had not formally shared his alleged information with the authorities. Others argued that if he truly had new details, police should urgently question him to ensure no potential lead is ignored.
Some social media users accused politicians of using the case for attention, while others criticised the police for what they perceive as poor communication and a lack of progress. Calls for accountability and transparency dominated online discussions, with many emphasising that the disappearance of a child should never become a political spectacle.
In March 2025, McKenzie made further controversial claims, alleging that he knew who was involved in Joslin’s disappearance and accusing the Saldanha Bay mayor of being connected to the case. He also stated that he believed Joslin was still alive and dismissed claims that she was sold for muthi, as suggested during the trial.
As the case drags on, Joslin Smith’s disappearance continues to haunt the nation. With no new leads confirmed by police, South Africans remain desperate for answers and hopeful that the truth about what happened to the little girl will eventually come to light.
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