Joshlin Smith trial: Lawyers for 3 convicts file notices to appeal convictions, sentences
Joshlin Smith's mother, Kelly Smith, and her co-accused Jacquen Appollis and Steveno van Rhyn were sentenced to life imprisonment after being found guilty of kidnapping and human trafficking for the disappearance of six-year-old Joshlin.
Kelly Smith (right), Jacquen Appollis and Stevano van Rhyn at the Western Cape High Court sitting at the Saldanha Bay Multi-Purpose Centre on 11 March 2025. Picture: Carlo Petersen/EWN
CAPE TOWN - Lawyers for three convicted in the Joshlin Smith trial have filed notices for leave to appeal their convictions and sentences.
Joshlin Smith's mother, Kelly Smith, and her co-accused Jacquen Appollis and Steveno van Rhyn were sentenced to life imprisonment after being found guilty of kidnapping and human trafficking for the disappearance of six-year-old Joshlin.
Kelly, Appollis and van Rhyn are in the third week of serving their life prison sentences.
Judge Nathan Erasmus sentenced the trio to life behind bars plus, and an extra 10 years after finding them guilty of kidnapping and human trafficking.
Kelly, Appollis and van Rhyn's attorneys have now filed notices to appeal Erasmus' ruling and sentences.
The National Prosecuting Authority’s spokesperson, Eric Ntabazalila, explained: "We have received notices from defence for apply for leave to appeal. We acknowledged receipt and indicated that we await a date from judge for hearing of the applications for leave to appeal and for the 204 enquiries."
[WATCH] 'Time to face the consequences', says Kelly's mother; police still searching for missing Joshlin