Patriotic Alliance leader Gayton McKenzie says he plans to hand new evidence in the Joshlin Smith disappearance case to Police Minister Professor Firoz Cachalia this week.

Speaking at the launch of the Joshlin Smith Foundation on Sunday, McKenzie said a key witness was ready to share more details about the alleged kidnapping. He addressed residents at the Dial Rock Community Hall, where he said the event was streamed live on Facebook for transparency.

The case of six-year-old Joshlin Smith shocked South Africa and drew major public interest during the trial

Convicted Trio Already Sentenced

On 29 May 2025, Joshlin’s mother Kelly Smith, her partner Jacquen “Boeta” Appollis and Steveno van Rhyn were sentenced to life imprisonment plus an extra 10 years after they were convicted of kidnapping and human trafficking.

Judge Nathan Erasmus said life imprisonment was the right sentence for trafficking a child and pointed to the seriousness of the crime and the lack of remorse.

The court later rejected an attempt by the three convicted accused to appeal. Their names were also ordered to be placed on the National Child Protection Register, which permanently bars them from working with children.

New Claims Raise More Questions

Despite those convictions, McKenzie told the crowd he does not believe the people now in prison were the main figures behind the crime.

He alleged that a man identified as Ayanda Letoni may have played a central role in the disappearance. McKenzie also claimed that Laurentia “Renz” Lombaard, a key state witness who received indemnity under Section 204 after testifying, is now willing to provide more information.

According to McKenzie, a private investigator involved in the search recently uncovered new developments during a raid at a property linked to Letoni about three weeks ago. He said the evidence and witness statements would be handed directly to Cachalia.

“What happens next will be up to the authorities,” McKenzie said.

Foundation Shifts Focus to Missing Children

McKenzie also announced that he would step back from active involvement in the Joshlin Smith Foundation because of his Cabinet duties. He said the organisation must remain independent to protect its credibility.

The foundation aims to help families of missing children and keep pressure on unresolved cases across South Africa. McKenzie said it would also support Joshlin’s siblings through help with education and living costs.