Gayton McKenzie to submit new Joshlin Smith evidence to police minister

Patriotic Alliance (PA) leader Gayton McKenzie said he plans to submit new evidence related to the disappearance of six-year-old Joshlin Smith to the acting Police Minister, Firoz Cachalia.

McKenzie made the announcement while speaking at the launch of the Joshlin Smith Foundation on Sunday.

The child, who was six at the time, disappeared from her Middelpos home in Saldanha in February 2024.

[WATCH] One girl, three accused, a nation watching — The Joshlin Smith trial timeline

Her mother, Kelly Smith, along with Jacquen Appollis and Steveno van Rhyn, have since been sentenced to life in prison for kidnapping and human trafficking.

Addressing hundreds of residents at the Dial Rock community hall on Sunday, McKenzie explained that the foundation aims to support families of missing children and keep unresolved cases in the public spotlight.

He said former accused turned State witness Lourencia Lombaard was prepared to provide additional information related to the child’s alleged kidnapping.

“There are statements to the fact... because Rens (Lourencia) is willing to talk... and Wednesday I'm going straight to the minister of police in Cabinet, and I'm going to tell him, here's the evidence that Rens has shared.”