The author of a book about Joslin Smith’s disappearance – titled Joslin Smith: Echoes of A Missing Child – has come under fire over claims he is “pocketing from the pain” of the missing girl’s family and community.
The blonde-haired, green-eyed girl went missing last February from the community of Diazville in Saldanha Bay. She has yet to be found.
In May, her mother, Kelly Smith, and two others, Jacquin “Boeta” Appollis and Steveno van Rhyn, were convicted and sentenced to life sentences by Western Cape High Court judge Nathan Erasmus for kidnapping and child trafficking. They have been denied leave to appeal.
JOSLIN SMITH BOOK: AUTHOR ACCUSED OF POCKETING FROM TRAGEDY
This week, Monthany Hendricks, founder and president of Atlantis Search and Rescue, launched a petition to halt the production of Joslin Smith: Echoes of a Missing Child.
The book is written by Greg Wells-Clifton, who runs the charitable foundation Pay It Forward, which also boasts a popular Facebook page.
The book “delves into the gripping account” of the missing girl. It is set for release on 1 December
However, Hendricks claims the book was written without the consent of Joslin’s family and seeks to “profit from the pain” of the tragedy.
Images via NPA/ Facebook
The petition read: “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.
“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”.
Hendricks called on the public and bookstores to boycott the sale of the book.
“Supporting this petition will send a strong message that we reject the exploitation of tragic events and demand that families like Joslin’s are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve.
“This is more than just about one book. It’s about standing up for ethical standards and protecting the dignity of those in unimaginable pain”.
AUTHOR: ‘I HAVE NEVER MET JOSLIN’
Meanwhile, Greg Wells-Clifton responded to growing criticism of the book Joslin Smith: Echoes of A Missing Child, which he claims he is still writing.
The philanthropist told IOL that the book would chronicle his experiences, searches, and interactions since discovering the case in February 2024.
Wells-Clifton stated that he has both met and spoken to Joslin’s parents, including prison interviews with the missing girl’s mom, Kelly Smith.
He added, “I never met Joslin”.
According to a Shopify site, the print copy of the book would sell for R410, while digital copies were R380. Pre-orders would include a personalised message and “autograph” from the author
Earlier this year, the Pay It Forward founder claimed he had footage of a girl he believed to be Joslin. His Facebook posts were widely condemned for “harming the investigation.”
Images via Facebook: @payitforwardsa
WOULD YOU BUY A BOOK ABOUT THE MISSING GIRL?
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