The Minister of Police, General Bheki Cele, has condemned the Democratic Alliance's attempts to politicise missing Joslin Smith's situation.

Cele expressed sadness at this behaviour and claimed that the DA was trying to get popularity and votes using a sensitive and painful matter.

The Ministry said they noted with absolute disgust the social media poster issued by the DA. "It seeks to misinform the public about the involvement of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in the on-going search for six year old Joslin Smith, who went missing on the 19th of February 2024 in Saldanha in the Western Cape. For the record and contrary to the lies peddled on the social media post by the DA, the SAPS has not withdrawn from the search for the grade one pupil. The helicopter has been taken off the overall police search plan however, SAPS K-9 units and police members including investigators are still actively searching for Joslin," said Cele.

Cele said the SAPS is mandated by the Constitution to prevent, combat and investigate crime and they will continue to do so and not leave communities on the edge. "It is clear the DA is trying to mislead its supporters and the South African public by peddling misinformation. The use of pain felt by a family who is waiting for their child to come home, is most insensitive and is a new low," concluded Cele. On Thursday Joslin's father said his baby mama and her boyfriend have to be arrested because he believed that his daughter is missing because of their drug addiction.