Joshlin Smith mom, co-accused handed life sentences
The mother of Joshlin Smith and her two co-accused have been sentenced to life imprisonment for human trafficking by the Western Cape High Court.
They were further sentenced to 10 years for kidnapping.
The then-six-year-old disappeared from her Saldahna Bay home in February last year.
Kelly Smith, Jacquen Appollis and Steveno van Rhyn were convicted of the charges earlier in May.
The State believes the child was trafficked and sold.
In his judgment, Judge Nathan Erasmus outlined the factors he considered in his sentencing, including rehabilitation, the impact on the community, and the rights of the child.
Erasmus says he found no mitigating factors when coming to his conclusion.
" Mr Appollis, what is worrying in your personal circumstances is the attitude you displayed, that you have not shown any remorse nor concern. Mr Van Rhyn, your attitude in this court showed of one that doesn't care. Ms Smith, the evidence presented as to the disappearance of your own daughter was clear. I saw no indication of remorse."
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