NATIONAL NEWS - Government has welcomed the life sentences handed down by the Western Cape High Court to Racquel Smith, Jacquen Appollis, and Steveno van Rhyn who have been convicted of human trafficking and kidnapping in connection with the disappearance of six-year-old Joshlin Smith. 

In addition to life imprisonment, the trio each received a further 10-year sentence for kidnapping. The judgment was delivered by Judge Nathan Erasmus in the High Court sitting in Saldanha Bay on Thursday.

The judge also ordered that the names of three accused be entered into the national Child Protection Register since they were convicted of serious crimes involving children and that they cannot have contact with children for the foreseeable future.

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

Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) Acting Director-General, Nomonde Mnukwa, said that while this sentencing brings a measure of justice, it is a bittersweet moment.

“We remain steadfast in our commitment to uncovering the truth and ensuring that law enforcement continues to pursue every possible lead to find Joshlin. The protection of children is a national priority.

“We will continue to strengthen our laws, partnerships, and community efforts to ensure that every child in South Africa is safe, valued, and shielded from harm,” Mnukwa said.

Smith, her boyfriend Jacquen Appollis, and their friend Steveno van Rhyn were found guilty in connection with the disappearance of six-year-old Joshlin Smith from the Middelpos informal settlement in Saldanha Bay in February 2024.

The trio were accused of selling Joshlin for R20,000.

Steveno van Rhyn, Racquel Smith and Jacquen Appollis who have been convicted of human trafficking and kidnapping in connection with the disappearance of six-year-old Joshlin Smith.

Despite pleading not guilty and maintaining their innocence throughout the trial, Judge Erasmus  in delivering his verdict on 2 May, stated that Joshlin, a Grade 1 learner at Diazville Primary School, had been "exchanged.” – SAnews.gov.za 

‘We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news’