All three accused found guilty in Joshlin Smith case

'SHE WAS TREATED LIKE A COMMODITY'

- MANDILAKHE TSHWETE

TWO months since the Western Cape High Court was proclaimed in Saldanha Bay, judgment was delivered on Friday in the trial of Racquel "Kelly" Smith, Jacquen "Boeta" Appollis, and Steveno "Steffie" van Rhyn for their roles in the disappearance and trafficking of 6-year-old Joshlin.

Judge Nathan Erasmus, who presided over the case, delivered a detailed judgment that recapped a highly emotive and complex trial that began on March 3.

The venue, White City Multipurpose Centre in Diazville-turned courtroom, was proclaimed a High Court venue under special judicial authority due to the extraordinary nature of the case and logistical constraints in the region, and public interest surrounding the case.

Erasmus thanked the community members who prayed and stood vigil outside the courtroom throughout the proceedings.

Hours after the judgment, the place Joshlin once called home was burned to the ground.

Police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Malcolm Pojie said: "Saldanha SAPS in the Western Cape registered a case of arson for investigation on Friday evening after Kelly Smith's Middelpos dwelling was destroyed in a fire.

"An adult female has been taken in for questioning."

Joshlin was last seen at around 2pm on February 19, 2024, at her home in Middelpos, Saldanha Bay.

The State alleged that she was trafficked during that period and brought charges under Section 4 of the Prevention and Combating of Trafficking in Persons Act. Alternate charges included kidnapping, child neglect and defeating the ends of justice.

To prove trafficking, the State needed to show that one or more of the accused delivered, transported, exchanged or received Joshlin, and that it was done for exploitation or with intent.

Over two months, 35 State witnesses were called, including investigating officers, community members and a co-accused-turned State witness, Lourentia "Renz" Lombaard.