The trial into the disappearance of missing girl Joshlin Smith is nearing its end with sentencing proceedings for Kelly Smith, Jacquen Appollis and Steveno van Rhyn,  commencing in the Western Cape High Court sitting in Saldanha Bay.

The trio faces lengthy sentences after they were found guilty of kidnapping and human trafficking.

On Tuesday, a human trafficking expert served as the state’s first witness during sentencing proceedings in the trial. State witness Dr Marcel van der Watt dialled in via Zoom from the US.

Van der Watt said research shows that child trafficking is increasing in South Africa, partly due to poor policy implementation. He says the betrayal of family members deprives the child of protection and makes it difficult to intervene to find the missing child.

A West Coast social worker also testified.

Errol Pietersen told the court life sentences were the only just option for the little girl’s mother, Kelly Smith, her boyfriend Jacquin “Boeta” Appollis, and Steveno van Rhyn.

Pietersen described Kelly as the mastermind, accusing her of manipulating others and lying about her past. He called the sentence fair and necessary, given the seriousness of the crime and the lack of accountability shown.

The nation waits with bated breath, as Judge Nathan Erasmus is expected to hand down the sentences for the trio on Thursday.