Joshlin must be found

WHERE is Joshlin Smith?

That is the question police hope their investigations will help answer as they move to the next phase of their work having secured life imprisonment sentences against her mother Kelly Smith, her boyfriend Jacquen 'Boeta' Appollis, and their friend Steveno 'Steffie' van Rhyn for trafficking in persons for the purpose of exploitation, and kidnapping.

Joshlin went missing in February last year while in Appollis’ care. The state maintained during the recent trial that the three had planned to sell the child for R20 000. The trio were each sentenced to ten years for kidnapping and life imprisonment for human trafficking.

Police commissioner Fannie Masemola hailed the investigating team comprising captain Wesley Lombard, sergeants Fortuin, Van der Walt, Sangcozi, Haywood and Johnson.

“Phase two of the investigation commences and we are hoping we will find the child, wherever she is, she must still be found," said Masemola.

Minutes after Western Cape High Court Judge Nathan Erasmus handed down the sentences, Smith, Appollis and Van Rhyn indicated their intention to appeal the court outcome.

Van Rhyn’s legal representative, Advocate Nobahle Mkabayi, said their fight was not over.

“He was in the wrong place at the wrong time and did not know about this crime. The matter is still pending and going on appeal.”

As the three were led away to begin serving life behind bars, the courtroom and community remained united by grief and unanswered questions.

Smith’s mother, Amanda Smith-Daniels, said: “She did the crime, and the law must take its course. It’s not nice that my child has to spend her life in jail, but she did something wrong and must deal with the consequences.”

Smith-Daniels said the last time she spoke to Smith, "she said she would take the stand, but she didn’t. She didn’t say what she would have said. I love her. I’m her mother".

"My love will never vanish, because no parent can bury their love. I had a son who passed on, I still cry every day. My love for her will never disappear. I’m a total wreck. I’ve been depressed since this case started.”

Joshlin’s godmother, Natasha Andrews, said the silence from the trio during sentencing deepened the family’s pain.

“She was our baby daughter. She lived with us, ate, and went on holidays with us, we did everything for her.

"They were given a chance to say something, anything that could have helped us find her, but they said nothing. Kelly didn’t even shed a tear. If they wanted to help, they would have. That chance is gone, and now we just hope one day we find her.”

Andrews said she visited Smith after sentencing.

“She was sobbing, but at the end of the day, we still don’t have answers. I remain hopeful that Joshlin will be found. We are not going to give up. Kelly accepted me into her life and into Joshlin’s life. I’ll never stop visiting her until we have an answer.”

For many in Saldanha Bay, the sentencing brought a sense of justice but not closure.

Resident Chane Biggs, who has been actively involved in the case, said: “After the sentencing, I felt overwhelmed but happy with the outcome.

"It’s still heartbreaking because we don’t know where Joshlin is, but we’ll never give up. By faith, we’re going to find her. I agree with what the judge said, they’ve shown no remorse since the day she went missing.”

Anti-gender-based violence activist June Dolley-Major said the justice system had done its part, but real justice would only be served when Joshlin is found.

“The fight still continues. The search still continues until we find her. I feel some relief, along with the community, but this also highlights the ongoing struggles in communities like Middelpos, where so many children like Joshlin are suffering. What happens next? Do we forget Saldanha? Or do we begin to address the social ills that lead to tragedies like this?”

Provincial police commissioner Thembisile Patekile said his officers were actively searching for Joshlin.

“Our thoughts remain with the family of Joshlin Smith. May they find some comfort in knowing that justice has prevailed,” he said.

Cape Times