Cape Town – Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie, leader of the Patriotic Alliance (PA), could be facing charges of kidnapping and interfering with a police investigation in connection with the disappearance of six-year-old Joshlin Smith, who vanished from her home in Middelpos, Saldanha Bay, in February last year.
The PA leader opened up about the case in a social media post on Sunday night, explaining his involvement and making explosive claims surrounding the disappearance. He stated that the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) is currently deciding whether to prosecute him based on accusations levelled against him, including one of kidnapping by Ayanda Letoni, the ex-boyfriend of Lourentia Lombaard, who was initially accused but has since become a State witness.
"We have given our statements to lawyers… Another charge is that we have interfered [with the case]. It is now before the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to see whether they are going to prosecute us," McKenzie said.
McKenzie's involvement in the case began shortly after Joshlin's disappearance. He claims that the Saldanha Bay councillor contacted him, and because Joshlin's mother, Kelly Smith, was a member of the PA, he felt compelled to assist in the search.
"When I talked to her, I got the feeling that everything about her is not the behaviour of a mother who has lost a child. But I reckoned it is because trauma makes people act differently to their normal selves," he said.
"I realised that there was something that did not make sense. I told her to go to the police station and I would remain behind and search. I couldn't leave not knowing where the child was."
McKenzie's actions, however, have drawn criticism from law enforcement. Investigating officer Captain Wesley Lombard testified in court that McKenzie and some social media influencers hindered police work and posed a risk to Joshlin’s safety.
Lombard detailed how the investigation was disrupted by misinformation and social media activity.
"This made gathering assistance more difficult. TikTok influencers appeared to have more influence than law enforcement, with live broadcasts, and sharing details of the investigation. This not only hindered police efforts but also posed a risk to Joshlin’s safety, as suspects in organised crime could monitor police activity and adjust their actions accordingly," Lombard said.
“Despite the lack of evidence confirming whether Joshlin was alive or dead, the police remained focused on finding her. However, the constant spread of false information and the demand for police transparency made it harder to conduct the investigation effectively."
McKenzie claims someone came up to him and told him someone was seen walking with the child to a dam in the area. He claims to have relayed the information to a police officer who did not seem to take the matter urgently.
He went on to claim that Letoni was a drug dealer who was well known in the community. He said the mayor and Letoni were in cahoots.
"They planned to sell Joshlin for a long time. The mastermind is Ayanda, Kelly was paid…The money went to drugs. Joshlin is still alive. I don't buy that muthi thing."
McKenzie also claimed that he was told that Joshlin was sold to Ayanda Letoni for muthi. "The cops feared Ayanda and wanted to arrest us," he added.
Police confirmed on Monday that the case docket against McKenzie is currently with the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA). The NPA will now decide whether to pursue charges against the Sports Minister.
