A human trafficking expert has called Joslin Smith’s disappearance over a year ago a “calculated crime” by her mother, Kelly Smith.
The Saldanha Bay woman and her two co-accused, boyfriend Jacquin “Boeta” Apollis, and pal Steven van Rhyn, are currently awaiting sentencing by the Western Cape High Court.
The trio was found guilty of kidnapping and trafficking after their trial wrapped up earlier this month.
JOSLIN SMITH: HUMAN TRAFFICKING EXPERT TESTIFIES
Speaking via video call, former police officer and human trafficking expert Marcel van der Watt shared his expert opinion on the disappearance of Joslin Smith.
In his address, van der Watt claimed that Joslin’s disappearance was a planned and premeditated act by her mother, Kelly Smith. As was testified in court, Kelly spoke about her plans to sell her daughter months before
He said: “This indicates significant forethought and intent. As the accused had ample time to consider and deliberate over the nature of her actions and the consequences for Joslin.
“This was not a spontaneous act but a calculated crime. The evidence also strongly suggests that no other alternative but that Joslin was sold for exploitation.
The expert claimed that Joslin was likely sold for her “physical traits, such as her eyes and light-coloured skin.”
Then, there was the issue of Kelly Smith and her co-accused refusing to testify in court.
Van der Watt continued: “The accused’s decision to refrain from testifying in their defense further strengthens the need to draw adverse inferences. As their silence in the face of such compelling evidence suggests an unwillingness or inability to refute the allegations against them”.
Van der Watt also claimed that it was likely that Joslin and her two siblings suffered abuse.
He added: “It is very plausible that Joshlin experienced severe abuse, either physical or psychological harm”.
Images via YouTube screenshot: SABC
SENTENCING HEARING THUS FAR
Apart from the human trafficking expert, Tuesday’s hearing saw probation officer Errol Daniel Pietersen read his reports about the convicted trio.
In it, Piertersen details each accused’s social background, personality, and comments relating to Joslin Smith’s disappearance. His recommendations will contribute to Judge Nathan Erasmus’s sentencing.
Kelly Smith was described as “manipulative”, while Steveno van Rhyn was portrayed as being troubled and a “menace to society”. Jacquin “Boeta” Apollis was the only one to show emotion and was painted as a quiet and respectable person whose drug addiction led him down the wrong path.
The hearing will continue on Wednesday in the Saldanha Bay Multipurpose Centre, where a victim impact statement will be read. Boeta’s mother may also testify in mitigation of sentencing.
Judge Erasmus is expected to hand down the sentencing on Thursday.
DO YOU THINK THE ACCUSED IN THE JOSLIN SMITH TRIAL WILL RECEIVE THE MAXIMUM SENTENCE?
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