Latest News & Developments
humantrafficking
Joshlin's father demands answers in kidnapping case
After the sentencing of those convicted in the kidnapping of his daughter, Joshlin Smith, her father, Jose Emke, shares his heartache and demands the truth from her mother, Racquel 'Kelly' Smith, as the search for Joshlin intensifies.
Joshlin’s father speaks out: ‘I want the truth from Kelly’s mouth’
After the sentencing of those convicted in the kidnapping of his daughter, Joshlin Smith, her father, Jose Emke, shares his heartache and demands the truth from her mother, Racquel 'Kelly' Smith, as the search for Joshlin intensifies.
Trio jailed for life, police vow search for Joshlin Smith will continue
The police remain committed to finding Joshlin, urging anyone with information to come forward.
Justice for Joshlin Smith: Sentenced trio set to appeal their convictions
Three individuals convicted of the kidnapping and trafficking of six-year-old Joshlin Smith plan to appeal their life sentences, leaving a community grappling with grief and unanswered questions.
Trio sentenced to life for kidnapping Joshlin Smith, but appeal their convictions
Three individuals convicted of the kidnapping and trafficking of six-year-old Joshlin Smith plan to appeal their life sentences, leaving a community grappling with grief and unanswered questions.
Kelly Smith's lawyer challenges key witness in human trafficking trial
In a gripping trial, Racquel ‘Kelly’ Smith's lawyer casts doubt on a key witness's credibility, raising critical questions about the evidence in the case of her missing daughter, Joshlin.
Lawyer criticises State's case as speculative in Joshlin Smith trial
In the ongoing Joshlin Smith trial, Advocate Nobahle Mkabayi argues that the State's case against Steveno van Rhyn is riddled with speculation and lacks compelling evidence, raising questions about the integrity of the prosecution.
Judge questions State's evidence in Joshlin Smith trial
Judge Nathan Erasmus scrutinises the State's case in the disappearance of six-year-old Joshlin Smith, revealing significant contradictions in witness testimonies that could impact the trial's outcome.
Judge Erasmus raises concerns over evidence in Joshlin Smith abduction case
Judge Nathan Erasmus scrutinises key witness testimonies in the complex and emotional case of six-year-old Joshlin Smith's disappearance, revealing inconsistencies that challenge the prosecution's narrative.
Defence questions reliability of key witness in Joshlin Smith case
The Joshlin Smith trial intensifies as the defence exposes contradictions in the main witness's testimony, questioning her credibility just before the final arguments.
Judge scrutinises evidence in Joshlin Smith's disappearance trial
Judge Nathan Erasmus raises critical questions about the State's evidence in the trial concerning the disappearance of six-year-old Joshlin Smith, highlighting major inconsistencies in witness testimonies that may influence the trial's outcome.
Judge questions State's evidence in Joshlin Smith trial
Judge Nathan Erasmus scrutinises the State's case in the disappearance of six-year-old Joshlin Smith, revealing significant contradictions in witness testimonies that could impact the trial's outcome.
The Joshlin Smith case: A pivotal moment in South Africa's battle against child trafficking
Senior State Advocate Zelda Swanepoel presents a compelling case in the tragic disappearance of six-year-old Joshlin Smith, highlighting the complexities of child trafficking in South Africa.
Joshlin Smith case: A landmark trial in South Africa's fight against human trafficking
The trial of six-year-old Joshlin Smith, missing since February 2024, represents a critical turning point in South Africa's approach to child trafficking. As the state presents its case, the implications for justice and legal reform are profound.
Joshlin Smith case nears verdict following disturbing testimonies
Judgment is imminent in the Joshlin Smith trial, where chilling testimonies reveal disturbing details about the disappearance of the six-year-old girl from Saldanha Bay.
Court rules statements admissible in Joshlin Smith trial despite torture claims
In a pivotal moment in the Joshlin Smith trial, Judge Nathan Erasmus has ruled that statements from two accused men are admissible as evidence, despite allegations of coercion and abuse during their detention.
Judge Erasmus' pivotal ruling on admissibility of statements in Joshlin Smith disappearance trial
In a pivotal ruling, Judge Nathan Erasmus has deemed statements from the accused in the Joshlin Smith disappearance case admissible, despite allegations of coercion. As the trial progresses, the community remains hopeful for answers regarding the missing six-year-old.
Judge rules accused statements admissible in Joshlin Smith disappearance case
In a pivotal ruling, Judge Nathan Erasmus has deemed statements from the accused in the Joshlin Smith disappearance case admissible, despite allegations of coercion. As the trial progresses, the community remains hopeful for answers regarding the missing six-year-old.
State: Accused credibility ‘shredded’ in bid to exclude confessions
During the trial-within-a-trial in the Western Cape High Court, the State asserts that the confessions of two accused in the kidnapping of six-year-old Joshlin Smith were made voluntarily, despite claims of duress and police brutality.
Judge questions shifting testimonies in Joshlin Smith confession trial
The Joshlin Smith confession trial continues as Judge Nathan Erasmus highlights inconsistencies in the testimonies of the accused, raising questions about the reliability of their statements.
'You trim your sails as the wind blows': Judge highlights shifting testimony in Joshlin confession trial
The ongoing trial concerning the disappearance of Joshlin Smith sees Judge Nathan Erasmus scrutinising inconsistencies in the testimonies of the accused, Steveno van Rhyn and Jacquen Appollis, as they claim police coercion in their confessions.
'Your life is on the line, literally', says Judge Erasmus
Judge Nathan Erasmus paused proceedings to offer firm guidance on how questioning should be handled, emphasising fairness, simplicity, and comprehension.
Judgment imminent as state and defence brace for ruling
State Prosecutor Zelda Swanepoel dismisses claims of police assault and torture by Steveno Van Rhyn and Jacquen Appollis during the investigation into the disappearance of six-year-old Joshlin Smith.
Confession battle nears judgment as State, defence brace for ruling
During the trial of Steveno 'Steffie' Van Rhyn and Jacquen ‘Boeta’ Appollis, allegations of police torture emerged as they claimed to have been coerced into confessing to the kidnapping of six-year-old Joshlin Smith.
Judge's surprising intervention steals the show in the Joshlin Smith disappearance trial
Steveno van Rhyn's trial for the disappearance of six-year-old Joshlin Smith sees the accused allege police torture, as Judge Nathan Erasmus ensures fair questioning during cross-examination.