South African police have dismissed viral claims that the body of missing child Joshlin Smith has been found, calling the reports a “cruel and misleading hoax.”
Authorities say false posts circulating on social media allege that decomposed remains of the six-year-old were discovered in the Saldanha dunes using a cadaver dog and a tracking device linked to Danie Krugel.
However, police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk has firmly rejected the claims, warning the public against spreading unverified information.
“We have noted with concern various false social media posts,” he said, urging users to verify sources before sharing such sensitive content.
Joshlin went missing from the Middelpos informal settlement in Saldanha Bay in February 2024 and remains unaccounted for despite extensive search efforts.
The case has already led to major legal developments. Her mother, Kelly Smith, along with Jacquen “Boeta” Appollis and Steveno “Steffie” van Rhyn, were sentenced to life imprisonment for human trafficking, along with additional jail time for kidnapping.
Police stressed that the spread of false reports only adds to the pain of families and communities already affected by the case.
Meanwhile, authorities confirmed the discovery of a separate decomposed body in Jacobsbaai, believed to be an unidentified adult male. Investigations are ongoing to determine the identity and cause of death.
Despite the ongoing uncertainty, Dayton McKenzie recently expressed belief that Joshlin may still be alive, offering a message of hope amid the distressing situation.
