South Africa’s Minister of Sports, Arts, and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, has responded to claims that he interfered in the investigation into the disappearance of six-year-old Joshlin Smith. McKenzie denied obstructing the search, stating that he only stepped in after official efforts had reportedly stopped.
Joshlin went missing from her home in Saldanha Bay on February 19, 2024. Her mother, Racquel “Kelly” Smith, along with Jacquen “Boeta” Appollis and Stevano van Rhyn, were later arrested and charged with kidnapping and human trafficking. All three have pleaded not guilty.
Lead investigator Captain Wesley Lombard said misinformation, especially on TikTok, had hindered the search. False claims that police stopped looking for Joshlin shortly after she disappeared discouraged public cooperation. Lombard also suggested McKenzie’s statements added to the confusion.
McKenzie, however, insisted he only got involved after authorities allegedly ended the search. He used his own money to fund helicopters and sniffer dogs to assist in the efforts. The minister stressed that his role was to support, not disrupt, the official investigation.
He also claimed responsibility for locating and bringing the suspects to the police, dismissing accusations of interference. “When police couldn’t find Boeta and the mother, who did they call? They called me,” McKenzie said.
The case continues, with the public closely following developments. McKenzie’s involvement has raised questions about the role of private citizens in official investigations.
