KEY POINTS
- The next step in the case, sentencing for Joshlin Smith, is coming up in Diazville, taking place next week.
- Judge Erasmus pointed out the slow logistics and expected correctional authorities to respond with answers.
- The trio conspired to sell six-year-old Joshlin for R20,000, revealing the extent of their crime.
The sentencing process for the kidnapping and trafficking case of six-year-old Joshlin Smith will commence at the White City Multipurpose Centre in Diazville, Saldanha Bay next week.
Judge Nathan Erasmus said that the first, second and third accused will discover their sentences during court about to take place from Tuesday to Thursday.
Authorities took the accused to nearby jail detention centers
Officials first presented the three convicted individuals in the Western Cape High Court before transferring them from Pollsmoor Prison to holding cells in Langebaan and Malmesbury. Officials are moving materials to enhance the organization of hearings.
The judge pointed out that the suspect was nearly an hour late, as the police had trouble with processing her at the prison.
The high court blames delays and insists on better accountability
Judge Erasmus found that Pollsmoor staff were to blame for the delay and also said he would write to the Commissioner of Correctional Services for an official response by Monday.
He said that such delays in transporting prisoner were repeating themselves and that this was not acceptable, particularly in serious cases.
The story of the case was exposed in court and court to begin sentencing in Joshlin Smith case
The court convicted Joshlin’s biological mother, Racquel Smith, her boyfriend Jacquen Appollis, and Steveno van Rhyn of kidnapping and trafficking Joshlin, who went missing on February 19, 2024.
During the trial, prosecutors revealed that Smith attempted to sell her child for R20,000. Those appearing by video link include Laurentia Lombaard and finally the court will deal with the possibility of indemnity for her under Section 204.
