Social worker labels Steveno van Rhyn a ‘menace to society'

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A social worker has described Steveno van Rhyn as a “menace to society”, warning that even if Van Rhyn had been acquitted in the Joslin Smith case, he would have inevitably committed serious crimes again.

During the live proceedings on Tuesday at the Saldanha Bay Circuit High Court, in the Western Cape, a social worker strongly condemned Van Rhyn in the wake of his conviction in the kidnapping and trafficking of then-six-year-old Joslin Smith.

Errol Peterson, the social worker, pointed to Van Rhyn’s history and behaviour as clear signs of a dangerous individual prone to repeat offending.

According to Peterson, such offenders pose ongoing risks to vulnerable communities and require a firm response from the justice system.

The convicted persons planned the crime and targeted Joslin Smith for financial gain after she disappeared in February 2024, the state suggests. Van Rhyn, alongside Kelly Smith and Jacquen Appollis, faces life imprisonment as the State presses for maximum sentences.

The sentencing proceedings will continue this week.

GUILTY VERDICT

Judge Nathan Erasmus found Kelly Smith, Jacquen Appollis, and Steveno van Rhyn guilty of kidnapping and human trafficking in connection with the disappearance of Joslin Smith.

He ruled that the State proved the guilt of all three on both charges in the case. On count 1, he convicted them of trafficking in persons. On count 2, he found them guilty of kidnapping.

Joslin Smith disappeared from her family’s home in Saldanha Bay on 19 February 2024. All three accused had pleaded not guilty.