KEY POINTS
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Racquel Smith, Jacquen Appollis, and Steveno van Rhyn were found guilty of kidnapping and trafficking six-year-old Joshlin Smith, whose 2024 disappearance triggered a national outcry and unprecedented multi-agency search efforts.
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While the verdict brings accountability, Joshlin remains missing, highlighting gaps in child protection systems and South Africa’s struggle to combat human trafficking networks.
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Advocacy groups demand stricter penalties for traffickers, improved resources for missing children cases, and community education to prevent exploitation of vulnerable families.
In a packed courtroom at the White City Multipurpose Centre in Diazville, Western Cape, justice was partially served on Friday as three individuals—including the mother of six-year-old Joshlin Smith—were convicted of kidnapping and trafficking the child, who vanished from her Middelpos home in February 2024.
Judge Nathan Erasmus delivered the verdict after a grueling 14-month trial, declaring, “The State succeeded in proving the guilt of Mr. Appollis, van Rhyn, and Ms. Smith on the main counts of trafficking and kidnapping.”
The ruling marked a pivotal moment in a case that has gripped South Africa, though Joshlin’s whereabouts remain unknown.
Racquel “Kelly” Smith, her boyfriend Jacquen “Boeta” Appollis, and their acquaintance Steveno “Steffie” van Rhyn showed no emotion as Erasmus detailed how they deprived Joshlin of her liberty, exchanging her under circumstances still shrouded in mystery.
Cheers erupted from the public gallery, which included community activists and relatives of the missing girl, many wearing green ribbons symbolising hope for her safe return.
Western Cape Director of Public Prosecutions Adv. Nicolette Bell praised the collaborative investigation, stating, “This case saw the largest mobilization of resources—police, navy, and volunteers—but our responsibility isn’t over while Joshlin is still missing.”
How the case exposed gaps in child protection systems
IOL reports that while the convictions bring legal accountability, the absence of Joshlin has amplified calls for systemic reforms.
Child rights organizations point to South Africa’s alarming rates of missing children—over 1,700 cases reported annually, per SAPS 2023 data—and the lack of specialized units to address trafficking. “This verdict is a start, but it’s not a win until every child is safe,” said Zinhle Mkhize of the NGO Missing Children South Africa. “Trafficking networks exploit poverty and familial trust. We need harsher penalties and better support for at-risk communities.”
The trial revealed chilling details: Kelly Smith allegedly told Joshlin’s teacher the girl was “taken to West Africa by boat,” while witness Laurentia Lombaard testified Kelly was “paid to keep quiet.” Yet critical gaps persist.
Despite extensive searches along the West Coast and offshore with naval support, authorities admit they have no leads on Joshlin’s current location. Western Cape Police Commissioner Gen. Thembisile Patekile vowed, “We will not stop searching. Someone, somewhere, knows something.”
Sentencing proceedings, set for May 9 in Saldanha, could see the trio receive life terms under South Africa’s stringent Trafficking in Persons Act.
Legal experts, however, argue the case underscores flaws in enforcement. “Prosecutions are rare because trafficking is hidden and underreported,” said human rights lawyer Thandeka Ndlovu. “Without Joshlin’s recovery, this remains a hollow victory.”
