Kidnapping expert says Joshlin Smith was sold for exploitation

SENTENCING proceedings began in the Joshlin Smith kidnapping trial yesterday, and the State called its first witness a human trafficking expert from the US.

- ROBIN-LEE FRANCKE

Jacquen “Boeta” Appollis, Steveno van Rhyn, and Kelly Smith were convicted of human trafficking and kidnapping of Joshlin earlier this month.

Joshlin, 6, went missing on February 19, 2024, and is yet to be found.

Sentencing is expected to be handed down this week.

US-based Dr Marcel van der Watt delivered his testimony via the Microsoft Teams platform.

With 23 years of expertise in the field, Van der Watt, a former South African police officer, has previously assisted the FCS Unit, SAPS' Hostage Negotiation Unit, and the Directorate for Priority Crimes Investigation (known as the Hawks).

He provided the court with a detailed 35-page report for sentencing.

The report said the case demonstrated clear evidence of planning and premeditation.

Kelly Smith, he said, had devised a plan to sell Joshlin as early as August 2023.

"This indicates significant forethought and intent, as the accused had ample time to consider and deliberate over the nature of her actions and the consequences for Joshlin."

"This was not a spontaneous act, but a calculated crime. The evidence also strongly suggests that no other alternative but that Joshlin was sold for exploitation.

"This aligns with the established patterns of trafficking crimes, where victims are treated as commodities with financial earning potential. The accused knowingly commodified Joshlin, prioritising their financial motives over her well-being and safety," Van der Watt testified.