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Joshlin’s case highlights South Africa’s child trafficking crisis, with life sentences offering little solace as her fate remains a mystery.
Jacquen Appollis, Steveno Van Rhyn and Kelly Smith, during sentencing proceedings in the Joshlin Smith kidnapping case at Western Cape High Court on May 23, 2025 in Cape Town, South Africa. Picture: Gallo Images/Brenton Geach
Although many people welcome the life sentences handed down to Joshlin Smith’s mother Kelly and her co-accused, everyone still wonders where Joshlin is and what really happened to her.
Cradle of Hope shelter for abused women and children CEO Melodie van Brakel said it was ironic and sad that on Wednesday, the start of Child Protection Week, the sentencing started of those involved in Joshlin’s disappearance.
“Joshlin’s troubled life and her subsequent fate have sent shockwaves and caused an outpouring of emotions,” Van Brakel said.
Joshlin’s disappearance reflects child trafficking crisis
“Joshlin’s disappearance reflects the growing crisis in child trafficking.”
She said social media played a role in highlighting Joshlin’s case.
ALSO READ: Joshlin Smith sentencing: Kelly and co-accused handed life sentences
According to South Africa’s official stats, 632 children were reported missing last year, and 8 743 over the past 10 years.
“We must protect the safety of our children at all costs,” she said.
Criminal law expert Cornelia van Graan said the conviction and sentence of the accused are welcomed.
Conviction and sentence welcomed
“The sentence of life imprisonment and inclusion of the accused on the child protection register reflect the seriousness of the offence,” she said.
“Hopefully, this judgment will serve as a deterrent. Even though there is no indication of where Joshlin is or if she will ever be found, I hope this judgment brings some relief.”
ALSO READ: WATCH: The moment Joshlin Smith’s mother was sentenced to life in prison
Anthony Minnaar, a research associate from the department of criminology and criminal justice at the University of Limpopo, said it was interesting the three accused never took the stand in their own defence, or put in a plea for mitigating circumstances.
“Joshlin has not been found and if she was sold to a sangoma as alleged, she would have been killed for her body parts to make muti. They also never admitted or identified the sangoma to whom Joshlin was allegedly sold,” he said.
Unchain Our Children founder Wayne van Onselen said the sentence was light.
‘Sentence was light’
“It’s a shallow victory for children who are trafficked.
“They should have been charged with murder as well,” he said.
NOW READ: ‘I looked for Joshlin when I was mourning my own daughter,’ community member tells court
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