The case has shocked the local community and garnered significant media attention over the course of a six-week trial that revealed disturbing details regarding the girl's disappearance. Kelly Smith, her boyfriend Jacquen Appollis, and their friend Steveno van Rhyn were sentenced after a judge ruled there would be no distinction in their roles. The trio was handed life sentences on charges of human trafficking and an additional ten years for kidnapping.
Judge Nathan Erasmus delivered the sentences amidst applause from the courtroom, noting the profound impact of the crime on the Saldanha Bay community where Joshlin lived. During the sentencing, he emphasized the lack of remorse shown by the defendants and indicated that there was "nothing redeeming" about their actions.
Amid the sentencing, tears flowed from community members who voiced their anger at the offenders, with many insisting that the punishments should be more severe. Joshlin's grandmother, Amanda Smith-Daniels, expressed that no sentence could bring her granddaughter back and urged her daughter to reveal her child’s whereabouts, pledging her family was "broken" following the disappearance.
The prosecution presented testimony from over 30 witnesses, painting a troubling picture of Joshlin's short life. One pivotal testimony came from Lourentia Lombaard, a neighbor, who claimed Smith admitted to selling Joshlin to a traditional healer. This shocking accusation suggested that the buyer was interested in the young girl's physical traits for obscure rituals.
Additionally, a local pastor described how Kelly Smith had discussed selling her children for financial gain, which further solidified the severity of the crimes. Smith's manipulative behavior and willingness to lie were highlighted by testimonies during the trial, with some experts suggesting she was the mastermind of the trafficking operation.
The search for Joshlin continues, as authorities have pledged to extend their efforts beyond South Africa's borders. Western Cape police commissioner Thembisile Patekile reaffirmed their commitment to discovering what happened to the missing girl.
The case has left the community reeling, emphasizing deep feelings of fear and devastation over Joshlin Smith's disappearance. The verdict stands as a reminder of the traumatic impact of such crimes on local communities, as well as the continued fight against human trafficking.
Judge Nathan Erasmus delivered the sentences amidst applause from the courtroom, noting the profound impact of the crime on the Saldanha Bay community where Joshlin lived. During the sentencing, he emphasized the lack of remorse shown by the defendants and indicated that there was "nothing redeeming" about their actions.
Amid the sentencing, tears flowed from community members who voiced their anger at the offenders, with many insisting that the punishments should be more severe. Joshlin's grandmother, Amanda Smith-Daniels, expressed that no sentence could bring her granddaughter back and urged her daughter to reveal her child’s whereabouts, pledging her family was "broken" following the disappearance.
The prosecution presented testimony from over 30 witnesses, painting a troubling picture of Joshlin's short life. One pivotal testimony came from Lourentia Lombaard, a neighbor, who claimed Smith admitted to selling Joshlin to a traditional healer. This shocking accusation suggested that the buyer was interested in the young girl's physical traits for obscure rituals.
Additionally, a local pastor described how Kelly Smith had discussed selling her children for financial gain, which further solidified the severity of the crimes. Smith's manipulative behavior and willingness to lie were highlighted by testimonies during the trial, with some experts suggesting she was the mastermind of the trafficking operation.
The search for Joshlin continues, as authorities have pledged to extend their efforts beyond South Africa's borders. Western Cape police commissioner Thembisile Patekile reaffirmed their commitment to discovering what happened to the missing girl.
The case has left the community reeling, emphasizing deep feelings of fear and devastation over Joshlin Smith's disappearance. The verdict stands as a reminder of the traumatic impact of such crimes on local communities, as well as the continued fight against human trafficking.
