Western Cape High Court hears appeals in Joslin Smith human trafficking case

The Western Cape High Court will hear applications over the next two days for leave to appeal the convictions and life sentences handed down in the high-profile Joslin Smith case. Kelly Smith, Jacquen Appollis, and Steveno van Rhyn were sentenced in May to life imprisonment for human trafficking and received additional ten-year sentences for kidnapping. The case revolves around the mysterious disappearance of Joslin Smith’s young daughter in February of last year.

The court will also consider whether Lourentia Lombaard, a former accused who turned state witness, should face criminal charges. Despite the convictions, Joslin Smith has yet to be found, keeping the case open and the search ongoing. The hearing is expected to draw significant public and media attention given the serious nature of the crimes and their impact on human trafficking awareness in the region.