Racquel “Kelly” Smith, a South African, was convicted of abducting and trafficking her daughter, Joshlin Smith, who was six years old.

On Friday, May 2, 2025, Racquel, her partner Jacquen “Boeta” Appollis, and their friend Steveno “Steffie” van Rhyn were found guilty in the Western Cape High Court.

Judge Nathan Erasmus declared, “The State was successful in establishing Mr. Appollis, van Rhyn, and Ms. Smith’s guilt on the principal counts.”

“First of all, you are guilty of the crime of human trafficking. You are guilty of kidnapping, which is count two.

Joshlin Smith was judged to have been robbed of her freedom by the court.

At the White City Multipurpose Centre in Diazville, Erasmus delivered the eagerly awaited verdict, ending a horrific case that had shook the West Coast community and drawn national notice.

Erasmus stated that he will not be addressing the Section 204 application at this time, which means he will not render a decision about State witness Laurentia “Renz” Lombaard.

Lombaard, who testified against the accused, provided the court with important evidence.

When Erasmus announced that he had discovered that Joshlin had been traded, the public gallery exploded in applause.

Speaking to Appollis, Van Rhyn, and Kelly Smith, Erasmus stated that it is illegal to deny Joshlin his freedom and to impose limitations on his freedom of movement.

On February 19, 2024, Joshlin was reported missing from her house in Middelpos. After months of inquiry and a massive manhunt, the three were apprehended as a result of her disappearance.

On Friday, State Advocate Zelda Swanepoel informed the court that whereas Appollis and Van Rhyn had prior convictions, Kelly had none.

Kelly began to cry as her co-accused sat in shock at the news of their verdict.

Loud applause broke out from the public seated in the gallery. Erasmus added that he has no problem with the SA Police Service letting family members talk to the accused before they depart.

The case has been rescheduled for May 9 in Cape Town’s Western Cape High Court facility. The decision to call witnesses will be made by their attorney.

Erasmus affirmed that Saldanha would hear the case again for sentencing.

Prior to sentencing, the three are anticipated to be remanded in custody. Outside the venue, the public has responded emotionally, with some family supporters crying and others cheering the decision.

Western Cape Police Commissioner General Thembisile Patekile stated outside the court that the hunt for Joshlin is still ongoing and that the green-eyed girl will be found.

Justin Nwosu

Justin Nwosu is the founder and publisher of Flavision. His core interest is in writing unbiased news about Nigeria in particular and Africa in general. He’s a strong adherent of investigative journalism, with a bent on exposing corruption, abuse of power and societal ills.