In a distressing turn of events, the disappearance of Joslin Smith, a young girl from Saldanha Bay, has captured the attention of the South African community and political figures alike. Gayton McKenzie, leader of the Patriotic Alliance, has taken an active role in the search for Joslin, providing regular updates via social media. The case has taken a complex turn with the involvement of Joslin’s mother, Kelly, and her partner, Jacquin Appollis, known as Boeta, who have both been identified as persons of interest due to their drug abuse history and have been placed in separate safe houses for their protection.
McKenzie’s efforts to find Joslin have led to a public reprimand of Kelly after she expressed distress over being separated from Boeta rather than focusing on her missing daughter. During a Facebook Live session on Saturday, 2 March, McKenzie revealed his interaction with Kelly, emphasizing the need for her to prioritize her daughter’s well-being over her relationship with Boeta. McKenzie also highlighted Kelly’s refusal to seek help for drug addiction, despite his offer to assist with rehabilitation.
@iceannelie
Furthermore, McKenzie has urged the police to conduct drug tests on Kelly, Boeta, and other residents of their home at the time of Joslin’s disappearance. He also called for another lie detector test to be administered to clear their names, emphasizing the uncertainty surrounding their involvement in the case.
The intervention by McKenzie has not been without controversy. Criticism from authorities suggests that his involvement may be interfering with the investigation. Western Cape Minister of Police Oversight and Community Safety, Reagen Allen, has condemned the politicization of the search for Joslin, deeming it “highly immoral and insensitive” to the friends, family, and community affected by this tragedy.
As the search for Joslin Smith continues, the community’s concern grows, hoping for her safe return and for clarity to emerge from this complex situation. The involvement of political figures and the controversy surrounding Joslin’s family have added layers of complexity to an already heart-wrenching case, underscoring the impact of drug abuse and the importance of prioritizing the well-being of children in times of crisis.
