Joshlin Smith: NPA waiting for dates from judge after 3 convicts file appeal notices
The attorneys for Kelly Smith, Jacquen Appollis and Steveno Van Rhyn filed the notices for leave to appeal their convictions and sentences this week.
From left, Jacquen Appollis and Steveno van Rhyn and Joslin Smith’s mother, Kelly, before the Western Cape High Court sitting in Saldanha Bay on 27 May 2025. Picture: Kayleen Morgan/Eyewitness News
CAPE TOWN - The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said it’s waiting for dates from Judge Nathan Erasmus after the three convicted in the Joshlin Smith trial filed notices for leave to appeal their convictions and sentences.
The attorneys for Kelly Smith, Jacquen Appollis and Steveno Van Rhyn filed the notices this week.
They were sentenced to life imprisonment after being found guilty of kidnapping and human trafficking for the disappearance of Joshlin Smith.
The little girl has been missing since 2024.
Smith, Appollis and Van Rhyn are in the third week of their life-long prison sentences.
Their attorneys have now filed notices to appeal Erasmus's ruling and sentences.
NPA spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila said: "We can confirm that we received notices from defence to apply for leave to appeal. We acknowledge receipt of those and indicated that we are waiting for a date on the charge for a hearing on the applications for leave to appeal."
Ntabazalila said the NPA was also awaiting a date for the 204 inquiry to determine whether former accused-turned-State-witness Lourentia Lombaard should be granted indemnity for her role in Joshlin’s disappearance.