Key Points:
- Â Racquel Smith, Jacquen Appollis, and Steveno van Rhyn were found guilty in connection with the kidnapping and trafficking of six-year-old Joshlin Smith.
-  A large-scale search effort involving local law enforcement, the Navy, and the Saldanha community contributed to the case’s progress.
- Â Despite the guilty verdict, the search for Joshlin continues as investigators remain committed to finding the missing six-year-old.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has expressed support for the guilty verdicts handed down on Friday in the Joshlin Smith kidnapping case verdict.
Racquel “Kelly” Smith, her boyfriend Jacquen “Boeta” Appollis, and their friend Steveno “Steffie” van Rhyn stand convicted of abducting and trafficking the young girl. Judge Nathan Erasmus delivered the ruling. He confirmed that the State had successfully proven the defendants’ guilt.
Convictions on Serious Charges
The court found the three defendants guilty of trafficking in persons and kidnapping. “Joshlin Smith was deprived of her liberty,” Judge Erasmus stated, emphasizing the severity of the crime.
The judgment concluded a case that shocked the local West Coast community and drew national attention. The public gallery erupted in applause after the court confirmed that Joshlin had been trafficked.
Ongoing Search for Joshlin Smith
Despite the convictions, Joshlin Smith kidnapping case verdict has not ended the search for the missing girl. Adv. Nicolette Bell, from the NPA, praised the collaboration among law enforcement agencies. These included the City of Cape Town, the Navy, the police, and the Saldanha community. Bell said, “The resources mobilized in this case have been unprecedented. However, our responsibility does not end until we find Joshlin.”
Joshlin went missing from her Middelpos home on February 19, 2024. Authorities launched a large-scale manhunt, and months of investigation led to the arrests of Smith, Appollis, and van Rhyn.
Sentencing and Further Actions
Judge Erasmus confirmed that sentencing would occur in Saldanha. The trio will remain in custody until the sentencing hearing, which is scheduled for May 9, 2025.
Outside the court, Western Cape Police Commissioner General Thembisile Patekile reassured the public that the search for Joshlin would continue. “We remain committed to locating this young girl,” he said.
