Joshlin Smith trial: Human trafficking expert is State's first witness during sentencing proceedings

SALDANHA BAY - A human trafficking expert is the state's first witness during sentencing proceedings in the Joshlin Smith trial. 

Joshlin's mother, Kelly Smith, Jacquen Appollis and Steveno van Rhyn face lengthy sentences after being found guilty of kidnapping and human trafficking related to the little girl's disappearance.

The child, who was six years old when she disappeared from her Middelpos home in Saldanha Bay in February 2024, is still missing.

The trial has resumed in the Western Cape High Court sitting at the Saldanha Bay multipurpose centre.

READ: Judge in Joshlin Smith trial expects new evidence to emerge during sentencing proceedings

On Tuesday, State witness Dr Marcel van der Watt testified via Zoom from the United States (US).

He told the court he has 20 years of experience in combating human trafficking, organised crime, gender-based violence, and sexual offences.

State prosecutor Zelda Swanepoel introduced the expert to the court.

"You were specifically requested to, in this instance, provide the court with a report, an expert report in trafficking in persons, and more specifically to assist this court in coming to an appropriate sentence."

Van der Watt told the court research shows human trafficking is on the rise in the country, but the criminal justice system is lagging.