Joshlin's kidnapping a calculated crime, says human trafficking expert

EVIDENCE strongly suggests no other alternative but that little Joshlin Smith was sold for exploitation in a calculated crime.

- ROBIN-LEE FRANCKE

This is according to a human trafficking expert from the US who testified during sentencing proceedings in the Joshlin Smith kidnapping trial yesterday.

Jacquen 'Boeta' Appollis, Steveno van Rhyn, and Kelly Smith were convicted of human trafficking and kidnapping of seven-year-old Joshlin earlier this month.

The little girl went missing on February 19, 2024. She has not been found to date.

The trio will learn their fate this week as sentencing proceedings get underway.

Dr Marcel van der Watt, who is based in the US, testified via Microsoft Teams to the court.

With 23 years of expertise in the field, Van der Watt, a former police officer in South Africa, has assisted the FCS Unit, SAPS' Hostage Negotiation Unit, and Hawks.

Van der Watt provided the court with a detailed 35-page report for sentencing proceedings. In his report, he said the case demonstrates clear evidence of planning and premeditation.

Smith 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," the report read.

It further stated: “This was not a spontaneous act but a calculated crime. The evidence also strongly suggests no other alternative but that Joshlin was sold for exploitation.