Joshlin Smith Search Team Finds New Evidence in Saldanha Bay Dunes 2 Years On
- A search team revealed new items found in the Saldanha Bay dunes linked to missing six-year-old Joshlin Smith
- Among the items uncovered were a jersey, a duvet cover and plastic bags that reportedly tested positive for Joshlin's DNA
- Dolley-Major called on police to conduct thorough forensic testing and allow the team to use heavy machinery and cadaver dogs to search the dunes more extensively
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WESTERN CAPE - Two years after six-year-old Joshlin Smith vanished from her home in Saldanha Bay, a search team has come forward with a series of new items found in nearby dunes, raising fresh questions about what happened to the little girl.
According to IOL, Cape Town-based activist Reverend June Dolley-Major held a briefing on Thursday, 10 September 2026, laying out what the team had discovered and urging law enforcement and communities to join forces in finding answers.
Joshlin, who was in Grade 1 at Diazville Primary School, disappeared from her home in Middelpos shortly after 5pm on 19 February 2024. She has never been found. Her mother, Kelly Smith, her boyfriend Jacquen "Boeta" Appollis and their friend Steveno van Rhyn were convicted and sentenced for trafficking her, but Dolley-Major made clear that the guilty verdict did not mean the search was over.
New items unearthed in the dunes
The search team returned repeatedly to a specific stretch of dunes where several items were recovered, including a jersey, a men's T-shirt reportedly linked to Appollis, a duvet cover with what appeared to be bloodstains, and a wooden log believed to have come from the flooring of Smith's home. Some of the items were found buried under sand, with large concrete blocks placed on top of them.
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DNA tests and evidence handed to police
A yellow ribbon found shortly before the trial began in March 2025 was sent to retired police officer Danie Krugel for testing. According to Dolley-Major, Krugel reported detecting Joshlin's DNA on a piece of the ribbon. More recently, a sponge or mattress-like material with what appeared to be blood was also tested by Krugel, with similar results. Three plastic bags found during searches this year reportedly tested positive for Joshlin's DNA on two of them. Police collected the evidence from Krugel on 26 June 2026.
Dolley-Major stressed that all items had been handed to police and called for proper forensic examination using the most advanced methods available.
Joshlin is due to turn nine next month. For Dolley-Major, that approaching birthday is yet another reminder of how long the little girl's family has waited for answers. The search team has vowed to keep looking and has appealed for anyone with relevant information to come forward.
The evidence and DNA claims in this article are according to the search team. SAPS or other authorities have not independently verified the findings.
Gayton McKenzie vows to continue searching for Joslin
Briefly News also reported that of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie vowed to keep searching for Joshlin Smith after the trial concluded at the Western Cape High Court. The three accused, Jacquin Appollis, Steveno van Rhyn, and Kelly Smit, have been found guilty on charges of kidnapping and trafficking in connection with Joslin's disappearance.McKenzie said it’s not over. While the official efforts may have come to an end, he sees this as the beginning of a renewed push to find the missing girl. He said her name won’t be allowed to fade away.
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Source: Briefly News
