Joshlin Smith Case: Convicted Trio to Appeal Life Sentences

(The Post News)- As they enter the second week of their life-long prison sentences, the lawyers of the three individuals convicted for the kidnapping and trafficking of six-year-old Joshlin Smith are seeking to file formal notices of appeal against both their convictions and sentences.

Racquel “Kelly” Smith, Joshlin’s biological mother,her boyfriend Jacquen “Boeta” Appollis and family acquaintance Steveno “Steffie” van Rhyn, were sentenced on the 29th of May in the Western Cape High Court to life imprisonment for human trafficking and an additional ten years for kidnapping. The sentences are to run concurrently.

Joshlin vanished from her home in Middelpos, Saldanha Bay, on 19 February 2024. The court heard disturbing testimony alleging that she was sold for R20,000 to a traditional healer who reportedly wanted the child “for her eyes and light skin.” Despite the severity of the case and the sentences handed down, Joshlin remains missing as the three convicted offered no information or expressions of remorse during sentencing.

Joshlin’s godmother, Natasha Andrews, expressed the family’s deep pain:

“They were given a chance to say something, anything that could have helped us find her, but they said nothing. Kelly didn’t even shed a tear. If they wanted to help, they would have. That chance is gone, and now we just hope one day we find her.”

Judge Nathan Erasmus, in his ruling, condemned the accused’s conduct throughout the trial:

“The accused did not show remorse and up until the eve of sentencing, still lied,” he stated.
“With the overwhelming evidence against the accused, I could find no mitigating circumstances for the court to deviate from the minimum prescribed sentence.”

Authorities have confirmed that, even though the trio has been sentenced, the search for Joshlin remains active.

Prosecutors intend to oppose the appeal.

About the Author

Lukhona Sixishe

Author

Lukhona is a general news reporter who covers a wide range of stories, from politics to entertainment. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Media and Writing from the University of Cape Town and has had work published in News24. She joined The Post News in the second quarter of 2025. journalist-lukhona@thepostnews.net

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