Convictions handed down in high-profile Joshlin Smith human trafficking case. Image: Mail and Guardian.
(The Post News)– Three individuals, Racquel ‘Kelly’ Smith, Jacquen Appollis, and Steveno van Rhyn, have been found guilty of kidnapping and human trafficking in connection with the disappearance of Joshlin Smith.
Joshlin’s mother, Kelly Smith, and her co-accused now face life imprisonment for human trafficking. Smith’s mother, Amanda Daniel-Smith, expressed relief at the verdict but disappointment that Joshlin’s fate remains unknown. She emotionally disowned her daughter, saying, “I don’t want anything to do with her.” The courtroom included Joshlin’s paternal grandmother, Rita Yon, and Western Cape police chief Lieutenant-General Thembisile Patekile.
The case has been postponed to May 9, when the court will determine the sentencing proceedings in Cape Town. The prosecution and defense will present evidence to argue for aggravating or mitigating circumstances to influence the sentence.
Smith, Appollis, and Van Rhyn maintained their innocence, pleading not guilty to the charges. The prosecution alleged they trafficked Joshlin, a Grade 1 student, to a sangoma for R20,000. The accused opted not to testify or present witnesses in their defense.
Judge Erasmus ruled that the State had proven the accused’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The testimony of Laurentia Lombaard, who claimed Smith admitted to selling Joshlin, was corroborated by evangelist Nico Coetzee, who testified about Smith’s alleged plan to sell her children.
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