Patriotic Alliance leader, Gayton McKenzie, intends to meet with the Acting Police Minister, Firoz Cachalia, this week, in connection with an ongoing search for Joshlin Smith.
Joshlin, who would be eight years old now, disappeared without a trace from Saldahna Bay two years ago. Her mother and two others are serving life sentences in prison for this.
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In her honour, McKenzie officially launched the Joshlin Smith Foundation on Sunday, aimed at supporting the search for missing children.
Joshlin’s father, grandmother and siblings were at the launch at the Dial Rock Community Centre in Saldanha Bay.
In his speech, he detailed how the case came to be and his involvement in the searches and investigation into Joshlin’s disappearance. He mentioned multiple engagements he had with those convicted, as well as his issues with the police during the height of the probe.
McKenzie noted that he had hired private detectives for further investigation in this case, suggesting that he’s uncovered new evidence.
He said he recently spoke with former accused, Lourentia “Renz” Lombaard, who he said has expressed her willingness to share more on the incident.
“Renz then said ‘I’m gonna tell the truth where is Joshlin’, that is why I believe Joshlin is still alive… Renz is willing to talk. And Wednesday, I’m going straight to the Minister of Police in cabinet, and I’m gonna tell him ‘my broer, hier’s die evidence dat Renz is besig om te praat’. I’m no longer going through cops,” McKenzie said. [The Afrikaans part in the second last sentence translates to ‘my brother, here is the evidence that Renz is talking’ in English.]
Throughout his speech, McKenzie also criticised others involved in the search or investigation, such as the media and the former DA Community Safety and Police Oversight MEC, Reagan Allen.
In terms of the foundation, McKenzie said he would not be involved in its daily operations but had instead appointed a team of qualified people to run it.
He promised that the foundation would cover the school fees and clothing for Joshlin’s siblings and also promised them a trip to Disneyland.
He further announced that a sports centre would be unveiled at Diazville Primary School, where Joshlin attended.
