Joslin Smith trial: Human trafficking on the rise - Expert
Human trafficking is on the rise in South Africa, and the justice system must take decisive action, expert witness Dr Marcel van der Watt warned during sentencing proceedings in the high-profile case of missing child Joslin Smith.
Van der Watt, an expert in organised crime and gender-based violence, testified via Zoom from the United States before the Western Cape High Court, which is currently sitting at the Saldanha Bay multipurpose centre on Tuesday.
He was called as the state’s first witness in the sentencing phase of the trial against Jacquen Appollis, Kelly Smith (Joslin's mother), and Steveno van Rhyn, who were all found guilty of kidnapping and human trafficking in connection with the six-year-old girl’s disappearance in February 2024.
Van der Watt, who has more than 20 years of experience in human trafficking cases, was introduced to the court by State Prosecutor Zelda Swanepoel.
“You were specifically requested to provide an expert report on trafficking in persons,” she said. “And to assist this court in determining an appropriate sentence.”
Referring to Joslin’s case as a stark symbol of a wider crisis, Van der Watt described the girl’s disappearance as "an in-flexion point in South Africa’s fight against trafficking.
"Joslin’s story is by no means isolated; it symbolises thousands of other children who have vanished into the shadows, many of whom were never reported missing, and many more who will suffer the same fate unless decisive action is taken."
He criticised what he called a "crippling societal indifference" that enables predators to operate with impunity, saying the country has a "moral duty" to combat trafficking.
"This is not just a global issue. It is deeply South African. The gravity of this crime intersects with our broader fight against inequality and injustice. It shakes the very foundation of our society."
Van der Watt said human trafficking strips away dignity and destroys lives, calling on the justice system to send a strong message through sentencing.
"We must act boldly to end this great violation of human rights and strive towards a society where the safety and dignity of all children are prioritised."
The Joslin Smith trial is set to reach its conclusion this week with the sentencing of the three accused, who have been found guilty of kidnapping and human trafficking.
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