Prosecutors remain hopeful in Joshlin Smith case despite life sentences for kidnappers

State prosecutors in the high-profile kidnapping and trafficking case of six-year-old Joshlin Smith say they remain hopeful the child will still be found, despite the conviction and sentencing of the three individuals held responsible for her disappearance.

Just over a week ago, Kelly Smith, Jacquen Appollis, and Steveno Van Rhyn were sentenced to life imprisonment by the Western Cape High Court for their roles in the abduction and trafficking of Joshlin, who was reported missing on February 19, 2024.

The little girl has not been seen since that day, and her disappearance continues to haunt both investigators and the wider South African public. Prosecutors Advocate Zelda Swanepoel and Advocate Aradhana Heeramun led the state’s case in the matter. Speaking to the media following the sentencing, both prosecutors described the outcome as bittersweet, saying justice had been served in part, but that the fight was far from over.

“We are still hopeful that something will break and we can solve this case by finding Joshlin,” said Heeramun. “Every single lead is followed up. At no stage did we say this is a cold case. It is still a very active and live investigation.”

Despite the court’s decision bringing a degree of legal closure to a year-long investigation, Swanepoel emphasised that the most important part of the case remains unresolved: finding Joshlin.

“It is very important for us that little Joshlin is found and rescued so that the exploitation can stop,” she said.The trial exposed harrowing details about the exploitation and trafficking networks that prey on vulnerable children in South Africa, with Joshlin’s case now emblematic of a larger national crisis.

Although prosecutors secured the maximum penalty against the three convicted individuals, the fact that Joshlin remains missing casts a shadow over what would otherwise be considered a decisive legal victory.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has also reiterated its commitment to working closely with police and child protection services to ensure that the search for Joshlin continues and that no potential leads are overlooked.

The case has gripped the nation, drawing attention from political leaders, civil society, and international human rights organisations. Vigils, marches, and social media campaigns under the hashtag #JusticeForJoshlin continue to call for answers and accountability.

In a media clip released following the trial, titled Justice for Joshlin | Prosecutors' Pyrrhic Victory with Joshlin Still Missing, the emotional toll on the legal team was visible.

Despite the successful conviction, both Swanepoel and Heeramun conveyed a profound sense of unfinished business.