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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.
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.
Joshlin Smith trial: State witness reveals mother's violent threats before child's disappearance
A dramatic day in court as State witness Lourentia Lombaard revealed threatening behaviour by Joshlin Smith's mother, Racquel 'Kelly', including death threats against her boyfriend just hours before the six-year-old's disappearance. The testimony sheds new light on the events leading up to the child trafficking case that has gripped South Africa.