More than two years after six-year-old Joshlin Smith disappeared from her home in Saldanha, new evidence has emerged from searches conducted in the surrounding dunes.
Cape Town-based activist Reverend June Dolley-Major revealed the latest developments during a briefing on Thursday, calling for closer cooperation between police, volunteers and local communities in the continued effort to establish what happened to the missing child.
Joshlin disappeared on February 19, 2024, after she was last seen at her home in Middelpos shortly after 5pm. At the time, the Grade 1 pupil at Diazville Primary School became the focus of a nationwide search, with volunteers travelling to Saldanha to assist in the effort to find her.
Although a court case has since concluded with Joshlin’s mother, Kelly Smith, her boyfriend Jacquen “Boeta” Appollis and their friend Steveno van Rhyn being sentenced for trafficking the child, Joshlin herself has never been found.
Dolley-Major said the search team repeatedly returned to the dunes, where several objects were discovered. These included clothing, a duvet cover, a wooden piece believed to have come from Kelly’s home, and other items that were identified by relatives or people known to those involved in the case.
Among the discoveries was a yellow ribbon found shortly before the trial began in March 2025. Dolley-Major said the ribbon, associated with Joshlin’s school uniform, was sent for testing and that Joshlin’s DNA was reportedly detected on it. The ribbon has since been handed to police.
Searchers also reported finding objects buried beneath the sand, some approximately knee-deep, with large concrete blocks covering the area. According to Dolley-Major, the team concentrated on the location after discovering a partially buried jersey there during an earlier search.
The search effort has not been without difficulties. Dolley-Major said members of the team became seriously ill after industrial acid was allegedly poured onto the site. She said the exposure caused headaches and vomiting, while some footwear was damaged.
Further items were reportedly discovered during searches in 2026. These included rope, clothing, plastic bags and a piece of sponge or mattress material. Dolley-Major said some of the material tested positive for blood and that Joshlin’s DNA was reportedly detected on certain items.
The findings have been handed to police, while concerns remain about whether additional forensic testing could uncover further information. Dolley-Major said sponsors have offered to fund specialist equipment, including a tractor-loader-backhoe, trained cadaver dogs and testing at private laboratories.
She stressed that the volunteer search team does not intend to replace the work of the South African Police Service, but rather wants to provide additional resources and evidence for investigation.
With Joshlin’s ninth birthday approaching, Dolley-Major urged authorities to thoroughly examine every credible lead and search the dunes again.
She said the team would continue its efforts until answers are found and Joshlin’s family and community can finally have closure.
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