KEY POINTS
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The sentencing for three individuals convicted of kidnapping and trafficking Joshlin Smith will take place on May 28, 2025.
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Victim impact statements and expert testimony on human trafficking will shape the final judgment, though Joshlin’s whereabouts remain unknown.
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Emotional scenes unfolded in court as families and advocates called for justice and continued efforts to find the missing six-year-old.
The high-profile case surrounding the disappearance of six-year-old Joshlin Smith has reached a crucial phase, as the Western Cape High Court announced on Friday that sentencing for the three convicted individuals—Kelly Smith, Jacquin Appollis, and Steveno van Rhyn—will be handed down on May 28, 2025.
Presiding Judge Nathan Erasmus confirmed that pre-sentencing procedures are under way and will include extensive evidence gathering, notably through victim impact statements from the local community, psychological assessments, and expert testimony on human trafficking.
“We anticipate that reports from social workers and trafficking experts may take up to six weeks to prepare,” Erasmus stated in court. “However, I have requested that they be expedited to ensure timely closure for the affected families and community.”
The convicted trio, who were found guilty of kidnapping and human trafficking in April, will remain in custody at Pollsmoor Correctional Facility pending their final sentencing.
Sowetanlive reports that the court also ordered the matter transferred back to the Saldanha multipurpose centre for the next hearing scheduled on May 23, where the final round of witness testimony and legal arguments will begin.
Still no trace of Smith as community awaits closure
Joshlin Smith disappeared from her home in the Middelpos informal settlement in Saldanha Bay on February 19, 2024. Despite the conviction of the three accused, the child’s whereabouts remain unknown, and the South African Police Service (SAPS) continues to investigate.
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila confirmed that the state would rely on testimony from an international expert in human trafficking, who will appear virtually. “The expert will provide a detailed analysis of trafficking networks and how vulnerable children like Joshlin are targeted,” he said.
He added that the prosecution hopes to include community victim impact statements as evidence of the broader emotional and psychological toll this case has had on the Saldanha Bay community.
“We cannot confirm whether the defence will call witnesses, as they have not indicated their intention in court, but they are entitled to do so,” Ntabazalila added.
Outside the courtroom, emotions ran high. Among those present was Veranique Williams, founder of Faith and Hope Missing Persons, who has worked closely with families of missing children for over a decade.
“When Kelly walked in, I was overwhelmed. This case is devastating—not just for the family, but for every person who has ever searched for a missing child,” said Williams. “There are parents who’ve waited 13 years and still carry that trauma daily. Kelly shows no remorse, and that breaks me.”
