The investigation into the disappearance of six-year-old Joshlin Smith has taken a dramatic turn, with Reverend June Dolley-Major accusing the police of neglecting potential evidence in the case. According to Dolley-Major, items found in the area where Joshlin was last seen showed signs of blood and a strong decomposing odour, but were not properly investigated by the authorities.
The police have dismissed claims that Joshlin’s body has been found, warning against the spread of unverified information on social media. However, Dolley-Major denies ever claiming that Joshlin’s remains were discovered, and instead says that she has been calling for the police to secure the area and subject the found items to formal forensic analysis.
Potential Evidence Ignored
Dolley-Major alleges that one of the items was handed to the police, but no follow-up was conducted and no statement was taken. She also claims that additional items were later identified and subjected to a preliminary assessment, with one showing indications resembling blood. A trained cadaver dog also reacted to one of the items, which was placed in a public park.
The police have not responded to detailed questions about whether any items were received, processed or investigated, or whether any statements were taken in relation to these claims. This lack of response has raised concerns about the handling of the investigation, with Dolley-Major stressing that her call has consistently been for the authorities to secure the area and subject the items to formal forensic analysis.
Background of the Case
Joshlin Smith disappeared from the Middelpos informal settlement in Saldanha Bay in February 2024 and has not been found despite extensive searches and ongoing investigations. Her disappearance sparked widespread public concern, with community members and volunteers joining search efforts in the weeks that followed.
Her mother, Kelly Smith, along with Jacquen “Boeta” Appollis and Steveno “Steffie” van Rhyn, were sentenced in May last year to life imprisonment for human trafficking and 10 years for kidnapping. The sentences are being served concurrently. For more information on human trafficking, visit the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime website.
The following are some key points in the case:
- Joshlin Smith disappeared in February 2024
- Extensive searches and investigations have been conducted
- Potential evidence has been found, but not properly investigated
- The police have not responded to detailed questions about the handling of the investigation
