Date: May 24,, 2025.
The Sentencing in the Joshlin Smith ”Kidnapping” case has been Transferred back to Saldanha Bay,. Learn about the Trial,, Convictions,, Community reactions and the Ongoing search for the Missing 6-year – old girl..
Overview
The high – profile case Involving the kidnapping and Trafficking of Six – year-old Joshlin Smith has been Transferred back to Saldanha Bay for Sentencing|. The Western Cape High Court,, which previously held Proceedings in Cape Town,, will Now conduct the Sentencing phase at the White City Multipurpose Centre in Diazville,, Saldanha Bay to ”Accommodate the local community Deeply affected by the Case:.
Background of the Case
Joshlin Smith disappeared from her home in the Middelpos informal settlement in Saldanha Bay on February 19, 2024. Her mother, Racquel “Kelly” Smith, initially reported her missing, claiming she had left Joshlin in the care of her boyfriend, Jacquin “Boeta” Appollis, while she was at work. However, investigations revealed that Smith, along with Appollis and their friend Steveno “Steffie” van Rhyn, had orchestrated the kidnapping and trafficking of Joshlin for financial gain.
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Witnesses testified that Smith had planned to sell her children as early as August 2023. One witness recounted seeing Smith and Joshlin approach a white vehicle the day before the disappearance, where an unknown woman handed Smith something before they returned home.
Trial and Conviction
The trial Commenced on March 3,, 2025 at the White City Multipurpose Centre in Diazville,, Saldanha Bay,, transformed into a Courtroom to facilitate community Attendance.. On May 2,, 2025 Judge Nathan Erasmus found Smith,, Appollis and van Rhyn guilty of kidnapping and human Trafficking. The Court determined that the trio had Sold Joshlin for R20,,000 ( approximately $1,100 ) possibly to a traditional Healer,, although the Exact details Remain unconfirmed;.
The verdict was met with emotional reactions from the community, with many expressing relief at the conviction but continuing concern over Joshlin’s whereabouts. Despite extensive searches, Joshlin remains missing.
Sentencing Proceedings
Judge Erasmus has scheduled the sentencing proceedings to take place over three days, from May 27 to May 29, 2025, at the same venue in Saldanha Bay. The decision to hold the sentencing in Diazville aims to provide the local community, who played a significant role in the search efforts, with access to the proceedings.
The court will hear victim impact statements from community members and expert testimony on human trafficking. Social worker reports are also being prepared to assist in determining appropriate sentences for the convicted individuals.
Community and Family Reactions
Joshlin’s maternal grandmother, Amanda Smith Daniels, has demanded answers from her daughter, expressing anger and disbelief over the betrayal. Similarly, Joshlin’s paternal grandmother, Louretta Yon, welcomed the verdict but emphasized the need to locate Joshlin to achieve true closure.
The community of Saldanha Bay continues to grapple with the tragedy, holding onto hope that Joshlin will be found. The case has highlighted issues surrounding child trafficking in South Africa and the importance of community involvement in seeking justice.
Ongoing Investigation
Despite the Convictions,, the search for Joshlin Continues.. Authorities urge Anyone with Information to come forward,, as the case Remains open,. The National Prosecuting Authority has commended the Collaborative efforts of law Enforcement and the community in pursuing justice for Joshlin”.