Thokozile Mnguni
The disappearance of Joslin Smith, who went missing in February 2024 from Saldanha Bay in the Western Cape, remains unresolved despite extensive police investigations, community searches, and ongoing search operations.
Limpopo-born sangoma Nzama Maluleke has stated, based on spiritual divination, that the child was abducted, taken across borders, and sacrificed after being held for a month.
He further said during a consultation that, according to his bones reading, the child’s spirit is “unsettled” and that the mother is experiencing emotional distress. “Joslin’s spirit is haunting her; she is not at peace,” he said.
In the formal court process, the Western Cape High Court found Racquel “Kelly” Smith, Jacquen “Boeta” Appollis, and Steveno van Rhyn guilty of kidnapping and human trafficking in relation to the case.
The court imposed life imprisonment for human trafficking, along with an additional 10 years’ imprisonment for kidnapping on each of the three accused.
Evidence presented during the trial included testimony alleging that the child was sold for approximately R20 000. However, the court did not establish the whereabouts of Joslin Smith, who remains missing.
Despite the convictions, the child has not been found. Police say the investigation remains open and active, with officers continuing to assess new information both locally and internationally.
Western Cape police spokesperson FC Van Wyk said all leads are treated seriously and thoroughly investigated, but no breakthrough has yet been achieved.
Members of the public are urged to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or use the MySAPS app with any information that may assist the investigation.
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