By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The three convicted offenders in the kidnapping and human trafficking case of missing six-year-old Joshlin Smith will be sentenced on the 29th May.
Judge Nathan Erasmus announced during pre-sentencing proceedings at the Western Cape High Court on Friday.
The central figure in this case is Joshlin’s mother, who is accused of masterminding the child’s disappearance.
The accused face life imprisonment on the count of human trafficking.
Racquel ‘Kelly’ Smith, her boyfriend Jacquen ‘Boeta’ Appollis, and Steveno ‘Steffie” Van Rhyn face charges stemming from Joshlin’s disappearance on 19 February 2024 from the Middelpos informal settlement in Saldanha Bay.
Last Friday, Smith and her two co-accused were convicted of kidnapping and trafficking Joshlin, and ordered to be detained.
During the proceedings this morning, Judge Erasmus outlined the next steps in the sentencing process and emphasised the importance of victim impact evidence and social worker reports.
“Social worker reports are being prepared and normally take six weeks, but I have requested an expedited process,” Judge Erasmus said.
“Drafts have been given to defence counsel so they may assist the Department of Social Development in ensuring the necessary consultations are conducted.”
He added that the State will also present victim impact evidence, which, in this case, includes the emotional and psychological toll on both Joshlin and the Diazville community.
The convicted trio will remain in custody at Pollsmoor Prison until Friday, May 23, when they are scheduled to return to the Western Cape High Court for a procedural appearance.
Subject to confirmation, sentencing proceedings will begin in Saldanha Bay on May 27, with evidence and arguments expected on May 27 and 28, and the final sentencing judgment set for May 29.