Gaytons McKenzie has dropped a new bombshell in Joshlin Smith disappearance case.
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Patriotic Alliance leader Gayton McKenzie has announced that he plans to submit new evidence in the Joshlin Smith disappearance case to Police Minister Prof. Firoz Cachalia, Cape Aurgus has reported.
Speaking at the launch of the Joshlin Smith Foundation on Sunday, McKenzie said a key witness was prepared to share further details about the child’s alleged kidnapping.
Addressing hundreds of residents at the Dial Rock Community Hall, McKenzie said the event was streamed live on Facebook to ensure transparency. The foundation, he explained, aims to assist families of missing children and keep attention on unresolved cases across South Africa.
The disappearance of six-year-old Joshlin Smith captured national attention, with the court proceedings drawing significant public interest. Due to the large number of spectators, the trial was held in a municipal hall rather than a traditional courtroom.
On May 29, 2025, Joshlin’s mother, Kelly Smith, her partner Jacquen “Boeta” Appollis, and Steveno van Rhyn were sentenced to life imprisonment plus an additional 10 years after being convicted of kidnapping and human trafficking.
Delivering the ruling, Judge Nathan Erasmus said life imprisonment was the appropriate sentence for trafficking a child. He noted that the seriousness of the crime warranted the maximum penalty, even in the absence of remorse.
An attempt by the three convicted individuals to appeal the ruling was later rejected by the court. During the trial, Laurentia “Renz” Lombaard – a key state witness – received indemnity under Section 204 after agreeing to testify.
Minister Gayton McKenzie, leader of the Patriotic Alliance.
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Following sentencing, the court also ordered that the names of the three convicted individuals be placed on the National Child Protection Register, permanently prohibiting them from working with children.
Despite the convictions, McKenzie told the crowd he believes the individuals jailed may not be the main figures behind the crime. He claimed new information suggests other people may have played a more central role in the disappearance.
McKenzie alleged that a man identified as Ayanda Letoni could have been involved as a “mastermind” behind the alleged kidnapping. He said Lombaard was now willing to provide additional details about what happened to Joshlin.
The PA leader also criticised aspects of the earlier investigation, claiming that political interference may have complicated the case. According to McKenzie, earlier allegations involving Letoni were not fully pursued.
He said a private investigator hired to assist the search had recently uncovered new developments. McKenzie claimed the investigator gathered information during a raid at a residence linked to Letoni roughly three weeks ago.
McKenzie said the new evidence, along with statements from witnesses, would be handed directly to the Minister of Police this week. He added that Lombaard had indicated she was prepared to speak further about the case.
“I will take the evidence straight to the minister,” McKenzie said. “What happens next will be up to the authorities.”
During the event, McKenzie also announced he would step back from active involvement in the Joshlin Smith Foundation due to his responsibilities as a Cabinet minister. He said the organisation must operate independently to ensure credibility.
The foundation plans to support families dealing with missing children cases and ensure sustained attention on such investigations. McKenzie said the initiative would extend beyond Joshlin’s case to help other affected communities.
He also pledged that the foundation would provide long-term support for Joshlin’s siblings, including assistance with education and living costs.
In addition, McKenzie revealed plans to open a multi-million rand sports centre at Joshlin’s school next week, fulfilling a promise he had previously made to the community.
He concluded by saying the foundation would prioritise the wellbeing of Joshlin’s brother and sister following the trauma of their sibling’s disappearance. McKenzie added that the organisation intends to fund a trip for the two children to Disneyland in Hong Kong within the coming weeks.
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