LEGAL REVIEW RECOMMENDED

Author faces backlash over Joslin Smith book after petition launch

SALDANHA BAY — 10 October 2024

A petition seeks to halt publication of “Joslin Smith: Echoes of A Missing Child”, accusing its author of profiting from the family’s distress without their consent. Atlantis Search and Rescue president Monthany Hendricks launched the campaign against Greg Wells-Clifton’s book.

Joslin Smith disappeared last February from Diazville in Saldanha Bay. The blonde-haired, green-eyed child remains missing.

In May, her mother Kelly Smith and two men received life sentences for kidnapping and child trafficking at the Western Cape High Court. They were denied leave to appeal.

Hendricks’ petition states: “This act of insensitivity and lack of respect for Joslin’s family underscores the necessity for us to take a stand against such exploitative narratives. Families dealing with the disappearance of a loved one deserve empathy, support, and privacy – not exploitation for monetary gain.”

The petition adds: “Greg’s book not only shows disregard for the affected family’s feelings but also contributes to the commodification of personal and heartbreaking tragedies, turning them into opportunities for profit”. It calls on bookstores to boycott the 1 December release.

Wells-Clifton, currently writing the book, claims it documents his experiences since joining the search in February 2024 (unverified). He stated to media: “I have met and spoken with Joslin’s parents, including conducting prison interviews with Kelly Smith. I never met Joslin.” (IOL interview)

A Shopify site lists printed copies at R410 and digital versions at R380, with pre-orders offering personalised messages and an “autograph”.

Hendricks argues the campaign “is about standing up for ethical standards and protecting the dignity of those in unimaginable pain”.

Editor’s note: Specific timeline details estimated where original report provided contextual dates only.