Kelly Smith, Jacquin Appollis and Steveno Van Rhyn have been convicted of the kidnapping and trafficking of Joslin Smith.
Presiding Judge Nathan Erasmus delivered the verdict at the circuit court in Saldanha Bay on Friday.
[BREAKING] Judge Nathan Erasmus finds Joshlin’s mother Kelly Smith, Jacquen Appollis and Steveno van Rhyn guilty of kidnapping and human trafficking.#Newzroom405 pic.twitter.com/opGqXJBokS
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) May 2, 2025
He noted that the State proved the accused’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. In the eights since the trial started, the State called up 35 witnesses, handed in 42 documents, 5 physical exhibits and conducted an inspection of Joslin’s hometown.
Erasmus further noted that the accused’s Defence had not presented sufficient evidence.
This comes more than 430 days since Joslin disappeared, in February 2024. She is yet to be found.
[WATCH] Moments in the Joshlin Smith kidnapping and human trafficking trial. #QuestionThinkAct #eNCA pic.twitter.com/OfSJxkZeKv
— eNCA (@eNCA) May 2, 2025
Western Cape MEC of Police Oversight and Community Safety, Anroux Marais, said that Joslin’s case has put the spotlight on human trafficking in South Africa.
“We need to drastically improve our understanding and awareness of human trafficking, as well as efforts to prevent and combat this scourge,” said Minister Marais.
