Western Cape police say the search for Joshlin Smith remains an active missing-person investigation, despite convictions secured in the case linked to her disappearance.
The girl disappeared from her Middelpos home in Saldanha Bay in February 2024. Her whereabouts remain unknown.
Police spokesperson Andre Traut told Eyewitness News that investigators continue to assess information that may have evidential value. He said the priority remained following credible leads, establishing the facts and finding Joshlin.
The police response followed claims by community activists that items found during searches in Saldanha Bay could be linked to the case. Those claims have not been independently verified, and police have not confirmed that the items establish a new breakthrough.
Traut said information with possible evidential value would be properly assessed, while SAPS would not comment on statements made by people outside the investigation.
Kelly Smith, Jacquen Appollis and Steveno van Rhyn were convicted in 2025 on charges arising from Joshlin’s disappearance. The convictions did not determine where she is, and police say that part of the investigation continues.
The renewed attention in Saldanha Bay comes more than two years after residents, volunteers and police began searching the West Coast community and surrounding areas.
The distinction made by police is important: the criminal case produced convictions, but the missing-person inquiry remains unresolved. Any material submitted by volunteers must still be assessed through the formal investigation before police can say whether it advances the search.
No new arrest or confirmed recovery has been announced in the latest development. The police position is that the investigation remains open and every credible lead will be followed.
