In a dramatic turn of events, the Western Cape High Court has found Racquel ‘Kelly’ Smith, her boyfriend Jacquen ‘Boeta’ Appollis, and their associate Steveno ‘Steffie’ van Rhyn guilty of kidnapping and human trafficking involving six-year-old Joshlin Smith. The verdict was delivered on Friday by Judge Nathan Erasmus at the White City Multipurpose Centre in Diazville.
Joshlin Smith, who went missing from her Middelpos home on February 19, 2024, became the focus of a nationwide manhunt that ended in the arrest of the trio. The case has gripped the nation, with the public closely following every development.
Judge Erasmus found all three accused guilty on two main charges — trafficking in persons and kidnapping. He stated that the State had successfully proven beyond reasonable doubt that the accused were responsible for depriving Joshlin of her freedom and exchanging her in violation of her basic human rights.
The court’s ruling was met with an emotional response from those present. As Erasmus announced the guilty verdicts, the public gallery erupted in cheers. Kelly Smith broke into tears, while her co-accused appeared stunned by the decision.
A key witness in the trial, Laurentia ‘Renz’ Lombaard, played a pivotal role in the prosecution’s case. Her testimony against the accused was accepted by the court, though Erasmus noted that the application under Section 204 — which could grant her indemnity in exchange for her cooperation — would be dealt with at a later stage.
State Advocate Zelda Swanepoel informed the court that while Appollis and Van Rhyn had previous criminal convictions, Kelly Smith had no prior record. Despite this, all three were held equally accountable for their roles in the crime.
The matter has been postponed to May 9, when proceedings will resume at the Western Cape High Court in Cape Town. It will be decided then whether additional witnesses will be called during the sentencing phase. Judge Erasmus also confirmed that sentencing would eventually take place back in Saldanha.https://www.facebook.com/SABCNews/videos/705237661881261/?mibextid=rS40aB7S9Ucbxw6v
As the convicted individuals were led out of the courtroom, supporters of Joshlin’s family expressed their relief and emotions, some in tears and others applauding the long-awaited justice.
Outside the courtroom, Western Cape Police Commissioner, General Thembisile Patekile, emphasized that the search for Joshlin Smith remains ongoing. “We have not stopped looking for her,” he said, urging the public to continue supporting efforts to bring the missing child home.
The conviction marks a critical step toward justice in a case that has left the West Coast community shaken. As sentencing looms, the country watches with bated breath, hoping for continued progress in the search for Joshlin and full accountability for those involved in her disappearance.