Joshlin Smith trial: NPA says protecting children is everyone's responsibility

SALDANHA BAY - After sentencing was handed down in the Joshlin Smith trial, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) highlighted that protecting children was everyone's responsibility.

Joshlin's mother, Kelly Smith, Jacquen Appollis and Steveno van Rhyn were handed life sentences on Thursday after being found guilty of kidnapping and human trafficking related to the child's disappearance.

The NPA said the judgment was testament to its commitment to protecting the rights of children.

READ: Kelly Smith's mom accuses her of playing victim, lying about what happened to Joshlin

Western Cape director of public prosecutions, Nicolette Bell, lamented the fact that during Child Protection Week, Joshlin Smith was still missing despite her mother, Kelly Smith, Appollis and Van Rhyn receiving life sentences on Thursday.

Bell urged the Saldanha Bay community to continue looking for the missing girl, who disappeared from her Middelpos home in Saldanha in February 2024.

Joshlin was six years old at the time.

"Today's [Thursday's] result is also a testimony to what happens if community stakeholders, everybody, work together as a collective, then we have positive outcomes like this."

Bell also lauded the community for playing an active role in getting its dignity back after Joshlin disappeared.