In yet another chapter of the devastating case surrounding missing child Joslin Smith, the Western Cape High Court has made its stance clear — there will be no second chance for the convicted kidnappers to overturn their fate.
The court has dismissed an application by the three main accused to appeal both their convictions and life sentences, keeping them behind bars for good.
Life Sentences Stay in Place
Joslin’s mother, Racquel “Kelly” Smith, alongside Jacquen “Boeta” Appollis and Steveno van Rhyn, had hoped for a different outcome.
All three were found guilty of human trafficking and kidnapping in connection with Joslin’s disappearance — crimes that shook the community to its core.
Their life sentences remain unchanged after Judge Nathan Erasmus ruled there was “no reasonable prospect of success” for an appeal.
Judge Erasmus Stands Firm
Delivering his decision, Judge Erasmus didn’t mince his words.
He stressed that in a case involving the trafficking of a child, a life sentence is far from excessive — especially when those involved have shown absolutely no remorse.
“It can never be said that a sentence of life imprisonment… would be shockingly inappropriate,” he stated, making it clear the justice system would not bend in such grave circumstances.
State Witness Escapes Prosecution
While the main accused will serve their time, another figure in the case, Lourentia Lombaard, walked away without charges after becoming a state witness.
Judge Erasmus explained that although she was aware of the kidnapping plot and kept silent, her role did not meet the threshold for a criminal offence.
She also went along with the fabricated story after the incident, but the court found she had not actively participated in the crime.
NPA Pleased with the Outcome
Outside the courthouse, Western Cape National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila welcomed the ruling.
He confirmed the state is ready to fight any further attempts to appeal, even if it means taking the battle to the Supreme Court of Appeal.
Despite the legal closure for the perpetrators, the case remains painfully unresolved in one key way — Joslin is still missing.
Police efforts to find her continue, with authorities holding out hope for a breakthrough.
The Search for Joslin Continues
For the community and Joslin’s loved ones, the question remains: will the ongoing search finally bring answers? While justice has been served in the courtroom, the most important outcome — finding Joslin — is still painfully out of reach.