Missing Joshlin’s mother and co-accused to be sentenced end of May

The mother of missing six-year-old Joshlin Smith, and her two co-accused will be sentenced on 29 May following their conviction for kidnapping and trafficking the child for exploitation.

Smith, her boyfriend Jacquen Appolis, and Steveno van Rhyn appeared in the Western Cape High Court on Friday.

The trio was found guilty after an eight-week trial that uncovered chilling details about Joshlin’s disappearance.

Despite the convictions, the search for Joshlin, who went missing from her home in Saldanha Bay in February last year continues.

Judge Nathan Erasmus, who presided over the case, heard evidence that the child was allegedly sold to a sangoma for R20,000 because of her “beautiful eyes and skin”.

The court also heard that there were discussions about possibly trafficking her to West Africa.

A fourth accused, Lourentia Lombaard, turned State witness and provided crucial testimony that linked the trio to the crime. She identified Kelly Smith as the mastermind behind her daughter’s disappearance.

Judge Erasmus revealed that new evidence has come to light and will be examined before formal sentencing.

The accused will remain in custody at Pollsmoor Prison and are expected back in court on 23 May, when the matter will likely be transferred back to the multi-purpose centre in Saldanha Bay.

Sentencing proceedings are set down from 27 to 29 May.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in the Western Cape says that despite progress in court, the search for Joshlin is far from over.

NPA spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila confirmed that a trafficking-in-persons expert will be among the witnesses called by the State during the sentencing phase.

Director of the Teddy Bear Clinic for Abused Children Shaheda Omar expressed concern over the lack of remorse shown by Joshlin’s mother.

She says the accused must face the full might of the law.

Heartbroken over Joshlin Smith’s disappearance. A 6yo girl has been missing since Feb 2024, and her mother convicted of trafficking her. Joshlin may still be out there. A 1M rand reward is offered for info leading to her safe return. Please share to raise awareness and help bring… pic.twitter.com/scFT3sVhNI

— Agnostic Astrophile 🌟 (@AstroAgnostic) May 9, 2025

BRING BACK JOSHLIN SMITH! https://t.co/gnTz3ZHXhw

— MzansiUnfiltered (@UnfilteredRSA) May 5, 2025

Where is the young girl, Joshlin Smith?

— Billy Ah! (@billyah_SA) May 4, 2025

As people go to their places of worship . Pray for Joshlin Smith wherever she is! Many parents in this world love her and wish they were there to protect her and many other children who were failed by adults pic.twitter.com/YXsvVivFpu

— phumla williams (@mirriamp) May 4, 2025

Laurentia “Renz” Lombaard’s testimony led to the conviction of Joshlin Smith’s mother, Kelly and two others for trafficking the girl. Renz agreed to traffic the 6-yr old. But at least she got the 3 other participants convicted. Should she also be punished?

— Henriette Geldenhuys (@h_geldenhuys) May 3, 2025

THE METHOD OF EXTRACTING THE TRUTH FROM CRIMINALS AND KILLERS TODAY IS SOFT, MODERN AND INEFFECTIVE.
During apartheid govt, Kelly Smith and her co-accused would have told us where Joshlin Smith is.
Those who killed the journalist and partner would have told us why, AKA, Senzo.

— Norman Mbhalati (@NormanMbhalati1) May 9, 2025