June Dolley-Major calls out police for neglecting evidence in Joshlin Smith investigation

Police have dismissed claims that missing six-year-old Joshlin Smith’s body has been found, while a local pastor alleges that potential evidence in the case has not been properly followed up.

SAPS said it had noted false social media posts claiming that Joshlin’s body had been found and warned against the spread of unverified information.

“It is on this basis, as a law enforcement agency, that we wish to caution social media users against posting unverified information about this,” said police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk.

He urged the public to verify the authenticity of information before sharing it online, warning that unverified claims can cause unnecessary distress.

In response, Reverend June Dolley-Major said her comments had been misrepresented and denied ever claiming that Joshlin’s remains were discovered.

“At no point did I say that her remains were discovered,” Dolley-Major said.

She explained that items she believes may have shown signs of blood and a strong decomposing odour were found, raising concerns that warranted further investigation and formal forensic testing.

According to Dolley-Major, one item was handed to police, but she alleges no follow-up was conducted and no statement was taken.

“This lack of response is deeply concerning,” she said.

She further claimed that additional items were later identified and subjected to a preliminary assessment, with one showing indications resembling blood.

Dolley-Major said the item was subsequently placed in a public park, where, according to her, a trained cadaver dog reacted to the item.

She stressed that her call has consistently been for authorities to secure the area, collect the items and subject them to formal forensic analysis.

“If there is nothing to be found, then let the proper forensic processes confirm that. But to ignore it entirely is not acceptable,” she said.

Dolley-Major added that requests for intervention were previously communicated to senior police officials, including Major General Thembisile Patekile and Major General Patrick Mquashalala, but that no action had been taken.

Police did not respond to detailed questions about whether any items were received, processed or investigated, or whether any statements were taken in relation to these claims.

Joshlin Smith disappeared from the Middelpos informal settlement in Saldanha Bay in February 2024 and has not been found despite extensive searches and ongoing investigations.

Her disappearance sparked widespread public concern, with community members and volunteers joining search efforts in the weeks that followed.

Her mother, Kelly Smith, along with Jacquen “Boeta” Appollis and Steveno “Steffie” van Rhyn, were sentenced in May last year to life imprisonment for human trafficking and 10 years for kidnapping. The sentences are being served concurrently.

Van Wyk also confirmed that an inquest has been registered after a badly decomposed body of an adult male was discovered in an open field in Jacobsbaai on March 19.

He said the body has not yet been identified due to recent extreme weather conditions, and a postmortem will be conducted to determine the cause of death, age and race of the person.

Police have not indicated any link between this discovery and the Joshlin Smith case.

The latest developments highlight growing tension between official investigations and claims made outside law enforcement, as calls mount for clarity, accountability and public trust in the handling of the high-profile case.