Saldanha Bay — A deeply unsettling chapter in the West Coast community’s history edged closer to resolution on Friday as three accused individuals were convicted in the Western Cape High Court of kidnapping and trafficking six-year-old Joshlin Smith. Yet, even as justice appears to advance, the most pressing question remains painfully unanswered: where is Joshlin?
Racquel ‘Kelly’ Smith, her boyfriend Jacquen ‘Boeta’ Appollis, and their friend Steveno ‘Steffie’ van Rhyn were each found guilty after months of speculation and widespread public interest. Judge Nathan Erasmus, presiding over the high-profile case at the White City Multipurpose Centre in Diazville, delivered the verdict that many in the tight-knit community had been waiting for.
“The State succeeded in proving the guilt of Mr Appollis, van Rhyn and Ms Smith on the main counts,”
Judge Erasmus said with measured authority.
“Count one — you are guilty of the charge of trafficking in persons. Count two — you are guilty of kidnapping.”
Joshlin was reported missing on 19 February 2024 from her home in Middelpos, triggering an urgent and large-scale manhunt across the region. As days turned into months, the case grew in national prominence, fuelled by both the innocence of the victim and the distressing nature of the allegations.
According to State Advocate Zelda Swanepoel, the background of the accused raised serious concerns. Appollis and Van Rhyn both had previous convictions, though Kelly Smith had no prior offences.
A pivotal moment in the trial came through testimony offered by State witness Laurentia ‘Renz’ Lombaard. Her evidence proved instrumental in persuading the court of the accused’s involvement, though Judge Erasmus deferred a decision regarding her Section 204 application, meaning her immunity from prosecution remains undetermined.
“The court accepted key evidence from Lombaard, who testified against the accused.”
As Judge Erasmus confirmed that Joshlin had been unlawfully exchanged, the public gallery erupted.
“The public gallery erupted into cheers after Erasmus said he found that Joshlin was indeed exchanged.”
Upon hearing the verdict, visible signs of distress and disbelief emerged. Kelly Smith broke down in tears while Appollis and Van Rhyn appeared stunned by the outcome.
“As the news of their conviction set in, Kelly started crying while her co-accused sat in disbelief.”
Judge Erasmus did not mince his words as he reminded the accused of the grave nature of their crimes.
“Depriving Joshlin of the liberty and restrictions to the liberty of movement is against the law.”
In an unexpected gesture, Erasmus indicated he would allow some leniency in the immediate aftermath of the verdict.
“Erasmus also said he does not mind if the SA Police Service allows relatives to speak to the accused before they leave.”
The sentencing proceedings have been postponed until 9 May 2025 at the Western Cape High Court in Cape Town, where defence counsel will decide whether to call witnesses. Thereafter, the case will return to Saldanha Bay for the formal imposition of sentences.
“Erasmus confirmed that the matter would be brought back to Saldanha for sentencing.”
In the interim, the convicted trio will remain in custody. Public sentiment outside the court reflected the emotional weight of the verdict, with some shedding tears and others applauding what they see as justice served.
Despite the convictions, the shadow hanging over the case remains. Joshlin has still not been found. Police have pledged that the search remains active, underscoring the urgency and the unresolved pain felt by the community and family.
Speaking outside the court, Western Cape Police Commissioner General Thembisile Patekile reaffirmed law enforcement’s commitment.
“The search for Joshlin has not stopped and police will continue searching for the green-eyed girl.”
As Saldanha Bay and the nation await sentencing, a collective hope persists that the final piece of the puzzle — Joshlin’s whereabouts — will soon come to light.
