A leading human trafficking expert has told the Western Cape High Court that there is compelling evidence suggesting that missing child Joslin Smith was deliberately trafficked for financial gain, and likely suffered harm as a result.
Dr. Marcel van der Watt, a former South African Police Service investigator with over two decades of experience in combating human trafficking, testified via Zoom from the United States during sentencing proceedings for Joslin’s mother, Kelly Smith, along with co-accused Jacquen Appollis and Steveno van Rhyn.
The trio was previously found guilty of kidnapping and human trafficking. The High Court is currently sitting at the Saldanha Bay Multipurpose Centre for the sentencing phase.
Van der Watt, called by state prosecutors to provide expert analysis, painted a grim picture of premeditated and coordinated criminal behaviour.
“The facts show that Accused 3 had been planning to sell Joslin as early as 2023,” Van der Watt stated. “This was not a spontaneous act but a calculated crime. The evidence strongly suggests no other alternative but that Joslin was sold for the purpose of exploitation.”
He detailed what he described as a "web of planning and coordination" among the accused, asserting that their actions reflected a shared malicious intent. He further implicated a fourth individual, Ms. Lombard, in the conspiracy.
“There was clearly a common purpose and agreement among the three accused and Ms. Lombard. They were aware or should have reasonably known—that Joslin was being sold for exploitation. Their actions reflect a willful disregard for her dignity and safety,” he said.
Van der Watt emphasized that the financial motive behind the crime points to its coldly calculated nature. He also expressed grave concern over specific references made by the accused to Joslin’s light skin and blue eyes.
“The heartbreaking reality is that Joslin’s physical traits may have made her more desirable to traffickers. This increases the likelihood that she was subjected to harm,” Van der Watt said.
In cross-examination, defence attorney Nobahle Mkabayi questioned the expert’s belief that Joslin had been harmed. Van der Watt replied:
“There are well-documented, coherent and consistent themes in terms of the egregious harms that befall victims of trafficking, especially young girls the age of Joslin.”
He also criticised the decision by the accused not to testify in their own defence, suggesting it reinforced the strength of the state’s case.
“Their silence in the face of such compelling evidence suggests an unwillingness or inability to refute the allegations against them,” Van der Watt remarked.
Legal representatives for Smith and Appollis declined to cross-examine the expert.
Sentencing proceedings for the three convicted traffickers continue at the Saldanha Bay Multipurpose Centre.