Latest News & Developments
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.
Despite suffering from a lung infection, Judge Nathan Erasmus continues to preside over the trial of Steveno van Rhyn, where inconsistencies in the accused's testimony are being scrutinised by State prosecutor Advocate Zelda Swanepoel.
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.
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.
Judge Nathan Erasmus paused proceedings to offer firm guidance on how questioning should be handled, emphasising fairness, simplicity, and comprehension.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Steveno van Rhyn's testimony at the Western Cape High Court reveals shocking allegations of police torture and coercion in the case of six-year-old Joshlin Smith, who went missing in February 2024. "
Steveno van Rhyn continues his testimony in the Joshlin Smith trial, alleging police coercion and torture during his confession regarding the six-year-old's disappearance.
Steveno van Rhyn recounts harrowing experiences of alleged police abuse during the investigation into the disappearance of six-year-old Joshlin Smith, as the Western Cape High Court hears his testimony.
Steveno van Rhyn has claimed alleged police abuse during the investigation into the disappearance of six-year-old Joshlin Smith, as the trial continues in the Western Cape High Court.
Steveno van Rhyn alleges he was kidnapped and tortured by men he believed to be police officers during the investigation into the disappearance of six-year-old Joshlin Smith. The trial continues as shocking details of his testimony unfold.
Steveno van Rhyn takes the stand in the Joshlin Smith trial, recounting a harrowing tale of alleged kidnapping and assault by men he believed to be police officers, as the court seeks to determine the validity of his statements.
Steveno van Rhyn testified in the Western Cape High Court on Tuesday about his alleged kidnapping and torture by men he believed to be police officers during the investigation into the disappearance of six-year-old Joshlin Smith.
The Joshlin Smith trial sees the court safeguarding the identity of a hotel staff witness, highlighting the complexities of the ongoing legal proceedings.
Jacquen ‘Boeta’ Appollis faces intense cross-examination in the Joshlin Smith trial, where his allegations of police torture are put to the test
Boeta Appollis returns to the witness stand in the Joshlin Smith trial, facing tough cross-examination over his allegations of police torture and inconsistencies in his testimony.
Disturbing torture allegations surface during the Joshlin Smith trial, as accused individuals recount harrowing experiences of police brutality while the State contests the validity of their confessions.
Dramatic courtroom confrontation unfolds as Jacquen 'Boeta' Appollis details alleged torture by police in the Joshlin Smith case, while prosecutors question why his medical report shows minimal injuries despite claims of severe beatings.
'Hanging in the air with my legs up': Jacquen 'Boeta' Appollis details horrific police torture claims while prosecutor Heeramun questions why his medical report shows only minor injuries in a critical development that could impact the missing Joshlin Smith case.
Jacquen “Boeta” Appollis, boyfriend of Joshlin’s mother Racquel “Kelly” Smith, testified on Friday as part of the ongoing trial-within-a-trial that aims to determine whether confessions made by the accused were obtained through coercion.
The court must first determine whether confessions made by Van Rhyn and his co-accused were freely and voluntarily given before deciding whether they are admissible in the main trial.
Defence lawyers challenge the validity of Steveno 'Steffie' van Rhyn's confession in the ongoing trial concerning the disappearance of six-year-old Joshlin Smith, raising questions about his mental state during the confession.