Joshlin Smith trial: Trio sentenced to life for human trafficking, 10 years for kidnapping

SALDANHA BAY - Missing girl Joshlin Smith's mother Kelly Smith, Jacquen Appollis and Steveno van Rhyn have been handed life sentences for the disappearance of the child.

Presiding Judge Nathan Erasmus imposed the sentences in a packed White City multipurpose center, which has been proclaimed a High Court specifically for the trial.

Erasmus imposed life sentences for the human trafficking charge and ten years for the kidnapping of Joshlin.

Saldanha Bay residents, who came out in their numbers to witness the sentencing proceedings unfold, clapped and cheered when the judgment was handed down.
Before handing down judgment, Erasmus indicated that Smith, Appollis and van Rhyn's attorneys will be given an opportunity to appeal the sentences at a later stage.

Erasmus told Smith, Appollis and van Rhyn he could find no mitigating factors for their sentences.

Erasmus said he that considered various factors that he needed to balance before reaching his sentence.

The judge also indicated he will be granting an order for Smith, Appollis and van Rhyn to be added to the national child protection register.