Joshlin Smith: NPA welcomes court's dismissal of kidnappers' bid to appeal convictions, sentences
The NPA said it remains confident the convictions and lengthy sentences will stand, underscoring the ruling as a strong message against human trafficking and child exploitation.
From left, Jacquen Appollis and Steveno van Rhyn and Joslin Smith’s mother, Kelly, before the Western Cape High Court sitting in Saldanha Bay on 27 May 2025. Picture: Kayleen Morgan/Eyewitness News
CAPE TOWN - The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in the Western Cape has welcomed judgments by the provincial high court in the Joshlin Smith case after three convicted kidnappers were denied leave to appeal their convictions and sentences.
Joshlin’s mother, Kelly Smith, Jacquen Appolis and Steveno van Rhyn were sentenced to life in prison for human trafficking, and an additional ten years each for kidnapping the little girl, who was six years old at the time of her disappearance in February 2024.
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On Wednesday, an earlier suspect in the matter, who turned State witness, Lourentia Lombaard, was granted full immunity from prosecution after she testified against the trio and the court found she played no active role in the child’s disappearance.
"That witness is still under the witness protection programme, which we cannot talk about but there will be a process which will unfold but, in this case, she’s not going to be prosecuted at all," said NPA spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila.
The NPA said it remains confident the convictions and lengthy sentences will stand, underscoring the ruling as a strong message against human trafficking and child exploitation.