The blood stained yellow ribbon sent to SAPS in Saldanha Bay.
Image: Supplied
Convicted mother Kelly Smith has turned to faith behind bars, attending daily Bible study and seeking prayer and Holy Communion while questions about her daughter Joshlin’s disappearance remain unanswered.
Three weeks ago, Smith asked Anglican priest and human rights activist Reverend June Dolley-Major to visit her at Worcester Women’s Correctional Facility.
Dolley-Major said Smith appeared to be in good spirits and repeatedly asked about her other children, whom she has not seen for some time.
Smith, who is serving a life sentence with Jacquen “Boeta” Appollis and Steveno van Rhyn after they were convicted of kidnapping and human trafficking in connection with Joshlin’s disappearance, continues to maintain she had nothing to do with the six-year-old’s disappearance.
Joshlin, a Grade 1 learner at Diazville Primary School, disappeared from Middelpos in Saldanha Bay on February 19, 2024. She was last seen shortly after 5pm and has never been found.
Activist Reverend June Dolley-Major hosted a press briefing in Retreat.
Image: Ayanda Ndamane/ ANA Studio
Questions remain over evidence
Dolley-Major said their conversation also touched on unanswered questions and inconsistencies in Smith’s versions of events.
She referred to questions around evidence, including a ribbon previously found during searches, as well as changing narratives involving Smith’s co-accused.
Dolley-Major also said a fight had broken out between Boeta and Van Rhyn regarding Joshlin, after which the two were separated.
Search team members have meanwhile raised questions about items they say were recovered during community searches, including at an alleged burial site hidden beneath concrete slabs.
They claim the area was later doused with industrial acid and that items recovered included rope with what appeared to be blood splatter, part of a sponge mattress, pants they believed matched clothing Smith had previously worn and a box containing three plastic bags with an allegedly strong, bloody smell.
The hair ties used to extract the DNA of Joshlin Smith.
Image: Supplied
Searchers call for further forensic testing
Dolley-Major claimed two of the bags tested positive for Joshlin’s DNA before the evidence was handed to Saldanha Bay SAPS.
She said she had repeatedly followed up with former Western Cape police commissioner Lieutenant-General Thembisile Patekile since January about the status of forensic testing.
Concerns include whether state forensic laboratories have the specialised equipment needed to recover potentially degraded DNA from material found in the dunes.
Dolley-Major said independent sponsors were willing to pay for private TLB earthmoving equipment, trained cadaver dogs and specialised forensic testing locally or internationally.
She said the aim was not to take over the police investigation, but to ensure every possible avenue was explored.
“I am not asking you to believe me, I am asking that the evidence be properly examined, that is what I am asking. At the end of the day there is the police, community, technology and forensics and if we all work together and not in isolation, then I believe we will get answers.
“Joshlin's birthday is coming up and it will be nice if this case can finally be closed.”
Joshlin turns another year older on October 20. She remains missing, despite the conviction of the three people accused in connection with her disappearance.
Cape Argus approached SAPS for comment.
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