Organisation launch petition to cancel a book on Joslin Smith kidnapping. Image Credit: Change.Org
(The Post News) – A petition has been launched to stop the publication of a book about the disappearance of a 6-year-old girl, Joslin Smith. Monthany Hendricks, founder and president of Atlantis Search and Rescue, says his organisation launched the petition to stop the exploitation of the missing child. Joshlin went missing on 19 February 2024 at her home in Middelpos, Saldanha.
Joshlin’s mother, Kelly Smith, her boyfriend, Jacquen ‘Boeta’ Appollis, and Steveno van Rhyn were found guilty of kidnapping and trafficking the child. On 29 May 2025, the trio was sentenced to life plus 10 years in prison. A request to appeal the conviction and sentence was recently rejected by Judge Nathan Erasmus in the Western Cape High Court. Joshlin remains missing.
Given the circumstances, the Atlantis Search and Rescue organisation says it is calling for the book’s cancellation. The organisation accused the author of “exploiting national trauma for profit”.
Author accused of “exploitation”
Commenting on the matter, Atlantis Search and Rescue founder Hendricks said the recent book published by Gregg, themed around the unfortunate circumstances of Joshlin’s disappearance, was a glaring example of such exploitation. Despite the sensitivity and privacy that such cases demand, Gregg wrote this book without seeking the consent of Joshlin Smith’s family.
“We have many missing children, and no case should be exploited to generate funding,” Hendricks said. “It’s disheartening and deeply concerning to witness the unethical behavior of individuals who use tragic situations for personal gain. This act of insensitivity and lack of respect for Joshlin’s family underscores the necessity for us to take a stand against such exploitative narratives.”
Hendricks said families dealing with the disappearance of a loved one deserve empathy, support, and privacy – not exploitation for monetary gain. “Gregg’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,” said the founder of Atlantis Search and Rescue. “It’s imperative that authors, publishers, and consumers understand the ethical implications of sharing stories that deeply involve living persons directly affected by grief and tragedy, especially without consent. “Moreover, this publication sets a dangerous precedent where the stories of those going through the worst moments of their lives can be taken without permission and turned into commercial work.”
Hendricks urged the public and publishing industry to boycott Gregg’s book and take a principled stand against such unethical practices. “We call upon bookstores and online platforms to remove this title from their shelves and websites,” he said. “Supporting this petition will send a strong message that we reject the exploitation of tragic events.”
Hendricks said they were demanding that families like Joshlin’s are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve. He added that this was more than just about one book; it’s about standing up for ethical standards and protecting the dignity of those in unimaginable pain. Hendricks urged the public to sign the petition and help bring attention to this significant issue. At the time of publication of this article, the petition on Change.org calling for the book to be pulled had gathered 679 signatures.
The book “delves into the gripping account” of Joslin Smith. 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.
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