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Justice Served: Joshlin Smith’s Traffickers Sentenced to Life in Prison

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3 months ago

May 29, 2025

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Three individuals found guilty in one of South Africa’s most disturbing recent child trafficking cases have been sentenced to life in prison. Jacquen “Boeta” Appollis, Steveno van Rhyn, and Kelly Smith—mother of the victim—received life sentences from the Western Cape High Court on Thursday for their roles in the kidnapping and trafficking of young Joshlin Smith.

A Chilling Lack of Remorse

Presiding Judge Nathan Erasmus delivered a stern and unequivocal ruling, stating that none of the accused had shown any genuine remorse during the trial. Speaking directly to Kelly Smith, the judge noted, “We know from February 19, 2024, there has been a lack of concern. But besides some tears yesterday, there has been no indication of remorse.”

He emphasized that the severity of their crimes and their ongoing silence left the court with no alternative but to impose the harshest possible punishment. “You had enough time to speak and come clean,” Erasmus said. “It is clear a sentence of imprisonment is the only option here.”

Substance Abuse No Excuse

While the court acknowledged that the trio were under the influence of drugs during the commission of the crimes, Erasmus made it clear that substance abuse was not a mitigating factor. Instead, he reinforced the idea that they acted with intent and had multiple opportunities to confess or cooperate—none of which were taken.

National Child Protection Register

In addition to the life sentences, the court granted the prosecution’s request to add all three names to South Africa’s National Child Protection Register—a system designed to prevent those who have harmed children from working in environments involving minors. This means the accused will never again be allowed to work with children in any capacity.

Sentence Details

The sentences include:

Life imprisonment for human trafficking
10 years for kidnapping

These sentences will run concurrently, ensuring that none of the convicted individuals will see freedom again.

A Warning to Others

This case has gripped the nation, shining a harsh light on the ongoing problem of child trafficking in South Africa. Judge Erasmus’s ruling sends a strong message: crimes against children will be met with the full force of the law—especially when those responsible show no regret.