Cape Town: Government has welcomed the judgement handed down by Judge Nathan Erasmus in the Western Cape High Court where Kelly Smith, Jacquen Appollis, and Steveno van Rhyn were sentenced to life imprisonment for human trafficking, with an additional 10 years for kidnapping. The judgement relates to the disappearance of six-year-old Joshlin Smith.
According to South African Government News Agency, addressing the media in Cape Town this morning, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni expressed that while the sentencing brings a measure of justice, it is a bittersweet moment. ‘We remain steadfast in our commitment to uncovering the truth and ensuring that law enforcement continues to pursue every possible lead to find Joshlin,’ Ntshavheni stated. She emphasized that the protection of children is a national priority and assured continued efforts to strengthen laws, partnerships, and community engagements to safeguard children in South Africa.
Ntshavheni also mentioned that the Cabinet, in its meeting on Wednesday, welcomed the release of the fourth-quarter crime statistics for the 2024/2025 financial year, highlighting that crime remains a societal issue affecting everyone in South Africa. Police Minister Senzo Mchunu released the statistics on Friday, indicating a decline in some crime categories, including murder. However, commercial crimes and sexual offences, including rape, have increased. Ntshavheni commended the SAPS for their swift work in investigating and making arrests in cases of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF).
She also addressed the murder case of Olorato Mongale, a Wits University student, whose body was found after a date with her alleged killer. The suspect picked her up and later, her lifeless body was found dumped alongside the road in Lombardy West, Johannesburg. The police have arrested an elderly man believed to be the owner of the vehicle used in the murder, while two men, Fezile Ngubane and Philangenkosi Sibongokuhle Makhanya, are still at large. Public assistance is requested in distributing their photos for ongoing investigations.
A multidisciplinary team led by the SAPS’ anti-kidnapping task team seized the vehicle used in the murder at a panel beater workshop in Phoenix, Durban. ‘We extend the government’s deepest condolences to her family and friends,’ Ntshavheni said. She assured that the government is committed to intensifying the fight against crime by recruiting and training new officers and reintroducing specialized crime-fighting units. This effort includes equipping law enforcement agencies with modern tools and training necessary to tackle today’s complex crime challenges.