Latest news with #SouthAfricanNavy
eNCA
03-06-2025
- eNCA
Joshlin Smith's traffickers sentenced while the search continues
CAPE TOWN - In a landmark ruling that sent shock waves through South Africa, three individuals have been sentenced to life imprisonment for the trafficking and kidnapping of six-year-old Joshlin Smith, who remains missing more than 15 months after her disappearance. Judge Nathan Erasmus of the Western Cape High Court handed down sentence on 29 May to Joshlin's mother, Racquel "Kelly" Smith, her boyfriend Jacquen "Boeta" Appollis, and their friend Steveno van Rhyn. Each received life imprisonment for human trafficking and an additional 10 years for kidnapping, with the sentences to run concurrently. The trio was convicted earlier this month after an eight-week trial that captivated the nation. The court heard damning testimony that Joshlin had been sold for R20,000 to a traditional healer who reportedly wanted the child for her "eyes and light skin". "The accused did not show remorse and up until the eve of sentencing, still lied," Judge Erasmus said during the sentencing. The Judge further noted that, 'With the overwhelming evidence against the accused, I could find no mitigating circumstances for the court to deviate from the minimum prescribed sentence'. In a packed courtroom at the White City Multipurpose Centre in Saldanha Bay, Judge Erasmus declared: "Even if I were not bound by a prescribed minimum sentence, I would still impose the harshest sentence possible. In weighing all the factors and circumstances, your actions reveal significant moral blameworthiness". The matter began on 19 February 19, 2024 when Joshlin disappeared from her home in the Middelpos informal settlement in Saldanha Bay. Kelly Smith had claimed she left her daughter in the care of Appollis while she went to work, reporting the child missing when she returned that evening. What followed was one of South Africa's most extensive missing person investigations, involving more than 300 police officers, including 150 detectives, specialised units, K9 teams, helicopters, drones, and even the South African Navy. The search extended internationally through Interpol, including a two-and-a-half-day search of a ship in a London port after a reported sighting. Key testimony came from Lourencia "Renz" Lombaard, who turned state witness. She testified that Smith had confessed to selling Joshlin to a sangoma and had offered her R1,000 to keep quiet about the transaction. A local pastor also revealed that in 2023, Kelly Smith had spoken about plans to sell her three children for R20,000 each. The conviction represents a significant legal precedent in South Africa as it was the first successful prosecution for human trafficking where the victim has not been found. In an official government statement, Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi welcomed the sentencing, calling it "a measure of justice in what has been one of the most distressing and emotionally charged cases in recent memory … Our hearts remain heavy for Joshlin and for every child who suffers harm ... No court ruling can undo the trauma or return what was lost. But today's sentence sends a strong and clear message that those who violate the innocence and trust of our children will face the full consequences of the law". The timing of the sentencing during National Child Protection Week added significance to the ruling. Despite the convictions and sentences, Joshlin's father and the community are disappointed she is still a missing person without any answers as to her whereabouts. Western Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Thembisile Patekile, says the search for Joshlin is continuing. Meanwhile, the defence has indicated it plans to appeal the convictions and sentences. Van Rhyn's legal representative, Advocate Nobahle Mkabayi, maintains her client's innocence. As part of the sentencing, Judge Erasmus ordered the names of all three convicted individuals be entered into the National Child Protection Register, preventing them from having contact with children in the future. The case has had a profound impact on the Saldanha Bay community and the nation as a whole. Joshlin would be celebrating her eighth birthday in October 2025, but her whereabouts remain unknown. With the search for Joshlin Smith continuing, authorities are vowing not to rest until they discover what happened to her. by Nkateko Muloiwa
IOL News
09-05-2025
- General
- IOL News
South African Navy honours members for distinguished service at Medal Parade
Members of the South African Navy were decorated with medals on Friday Image: Tracy-Lynn Ruiters The South African Navy honoured its members for distinguished service, acts of bravery, and long-standing dedication to duty during the Chief of the Navy Medal Parade—an official military ceremony. For Captain Riedewaan Semaar, the South African Service Medal represents far more than a military decoration. It is a deeply personal symbol of a complex journey—from teenage freedom fighter to career naval officer—etched in memory and service. Semaar was part of the historic 1994 intake that saw the integration of former liberation armies, Umkhonto we Sizwe and the Azanian People's Liberation Army, into the newly established South African National Defence Force (SANDF). The South African Service Medal, instituted by Warrant on 25 June 1999, was awarded to him in recognition of internal operational service rendered prior to the country's democratic transition. 'If you're asking me about the medal,' Semaar said, 'I would call it a complicated affair. It's a reminder of everything we went through as a country. Serving our country… it's a piece of history stitched onto my chest.' He described the medal as a source of both pride and pain. 'It reminds me of a time when service meant something clear—even if the world around us wasn't. Does it make me proud? Yes. Because I served with belief, even if the ideals shifted beneath our feet. It's a reminder that we shouldn't be silent, or accept the silence around us. It's about our country, and to honour it.' Calling the honour 'bittersweet,' Semaar added, 'The medal can also be heavy—not in its weight, but in the weight of memory, of being part of something that I feel a lot of people don't want to remember.' Captain Riedewaan Semaar receiving his medal from Chief of the South African Navy Vice Admiral Monde Lobese Image: Ian Landsberg His wife, Faiqah Hattas Semaar, reflected on his life of service: 'This is his personal doing—his identity. This is where he's coming from. I tell him: you need to grab this. It's been your fight since your youth—since age 15. 'You're not just accepting this for yourself, but for everyone you fought for, fought alongside,' she added. 'This is his life. His achievement. Even though he's still fighting the fight. I am so proud of him. Immensely.' Another emotional highlight of the parade was when Petty Officer Wayde Damian Nagy received a proud hug from his five-year-old son, Ethan Wayde Nagy, after being awarded the SADC Medal for his service during the Southern Africa Mission in Mozambique. The SADC Medal is an international honour conferred by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to recognise members of participating military and police forces involved in joint operations. These include peacekeeping, humanitarian work, and the fight against terrorism and violent extremism in Mozambique's Cabo Delgado province. It is officially ranked as a service medal across the region's defence forces. Nagy, who served for more than 90 days, described the experience as demanding but fulfilling. 'We were well prepared for deployment. We experienced many new things and learnt a lot about teamwork. It was hot there. I missed home—there were days we had no communication with our families—but we stayed focused,' he said. 'My motivation was my family back home and my ship's company. They stuck it through from beginning to end. We went out there not for ourselves, but for our country and continent.' Petty Officer Wayde Damian Nagy and his son Ethan Wayde Nagy, 5 Image: Ian Landsberg Chief Petty Officer Nolwazi Mkula, also awarded for her service on the mission, played a crucial technical role. 'You become like a family when you're there,' Mkula said. 'Our job wasn't just technical—it was about keeping the team connected, keeping morale up, and making sure the mission kept moving forward.' The SADC Medal not only honours military cooperation in the region but also underscores the personal sacrifice and unity demonstrated by those in uniform. The parade also recognised officers who have served in the SANDF for 20 years, presenting them with the Good Service Medal (Silver) for their loyalty and efficiency. Chief Petty Officer Nolwazi Mkula Image: Ian Landsberg
