Joshlin Smith Trial Concludes with Harsh Sentences, But Her Absence Echoes

In a painful and highly emotional case that unfolded during National Child Protection Week, the Western Cape High Court handed down life sentences to Jacquen Appollis, Steveno van Rhyn, and Kelly Smith. The trio was found guilty of human trafficking and kidnapping, crimes that have shocked South Africa and left an entire nation searching for answers.

Joshlin Smith, the child at the center of it all, remains missing.

Harsh sentences, heavy hearts

On Thursday, Judge Nathan Erasmus sentenced the three to life behind bars for trafficking Joshlin, plus an additional 10 years each for kidnapping. This verdict has brought a sense of relief to many, though it does little to dull the grief felt by those following the case closely.

Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi welcomed the ruling, describing it as a hard-won moment of justice in a case filled with heartbreak. “Our hearts remain heavy for Joshlin and for every child who suffers harm,” she said. “This verdict sends a strong message that those who prey on children will face the full force of the law.”

National Child Protection Week: A sobering backdrop

The trial’s timing couldn’t have been more significant. National Child Protection Week is dedicated to raising awareness about child safety, and this year’s theme — Working Together to End Violence Against Children — rang especially loud in courtrooms, newsrooms, and households alike.

Minister Kubayi emphasized that protecting children isn’t just a legal obligation but a shared moral responsibility. “This week serves as a reminder that we must always act in the best interests of our children,” she said.

A verdict welcomed, but closure denied

Ilitha Labantu, an organisation that has worked for over 36 years to combat violence against women and children, applauded the court’s decision. But spokesperson Siyabulela Monakali reminded everyone of the case’s lingering tragedy: Joshlin is still missing.

“This verdict is meaningful, but without knowing what happened to Joshlin, we cannot say that justice has been fully served,” Monakali said. “Her absence is a painful reminder that there is still much work to do.”

A crisis that knows no bounds

Statistics from the first three months of 2025 paint a chilling picture. Over 314 children were murdered. Another 424 were victims of attempted murder. Nearly 1,600 suffered severe bodily harm.

And according to Missing Children South Africa, an average of over 1,300 children are reported kidnapped each month.

This isn’t just a legal issue. It’s a national emergency.

A betrayal too close to home

Perhaps the most devastating detail in this case is that Joshlin’s mother was among those convicted. It’s a betrayal that cuts deep — showing that danger doesn’t always come from outside our homes.

Monakali pointed out the complexity of such betrayal, which lays bare the weaknesses in South Africa’s systems of child protection. “Violence against children doesn’t discriminate. It affects all communities and all families. That’s why our systems must be better — stronger, faster, and more alert.”

The verdict in the Joshlin Smith trial has sparked both relief and renewed urgency. While some justice has been served, the child at the center of it all remains missing.

Ilitha Labantu is now calling for a unified effort — across all levels of government, law enforcement, education, and communities — to better protect South Africa’s children.

As a country, we need to ask ourselves: What more can we do? How can we protect the next Joshlin before it’s too late?

Don’t let this be another headline

If this case has moved you, take action. Support child protection organisations. Demand better systems. Speak up when something feels wrong.

Because until every child is safe, none of us should rest.

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Sourced:IOL

Picture: X/@AfricanHub_