Joshlin Smith: Steveno van Rhyn to appeal life sentence

His legal representative has confirmed that an application for leave to appeal will be filed following Thursday’s sentencing in the Western Cape High Court.

Van Rhyn, along with Kelly Smith—the missing child’s mother—and Jacquen Appollis, was sentenced to life imprisonment for human trafficking, and an additional 10 years for kidnapping. 

The sentences stem from their involvement in the disappearance of six-year-old Joshlin Smith, who went missing from her home in Diazville, Saldanha Bay, in February 2023.

Her whereabouts remain unknown.

Speaking outside court, Van Rhyn’s lawyer Nobahle Mkabayi said her client maintains his innocence.

“We are appealing his sentence. My client is still innocent. He was at the wrong place at the wrong time and has no knowledge of the offence,” Mkabayi told reporters.

Judge Nathan Erasmus, presiding over proceedings at the White City Multipurpose Centre, delivered a scathing assessment of the trio’s actions. 

He called the crimes “devoid of humanity”, noting that there were no mitigating factors to warrant a lenient sentence.

“On the human trafficking charge, you're sentenced to life imprisonment. On the kidnapping charge, you're sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment. Because I’ve imposed life imprisonment, the sentences will be served concurrently by operation of law,” Judge Erasmus stated.

The court also ordered that all three be listed in the National Child Protection Register, effectively barring them from working with children in the future. 

This follows a request from State Prosecutor Zelda Swanepoel, who cited the seriousness of the crimes and their impact on the community.

The case, which has drawn national attention, featured harrowing testimonies and months of legal proceedings. 

While the convictions mark a significant moment in the case, the mystery surrounding Joshlin’s disappearance continues to haunt the Saldanha Bay community.

Police and Joshlin’s family have vowed to continue the search.

ALSO READ