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Ailing judge pushes through as Joshlin Smith trial continues

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.

News South Africa Western Cape
Mandilakhe Tshwete|Published

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.

Cape Argus News
Mandilakhe Tshwete|Published

'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.

News South Africa Western Cape
Mandilakhe Tshwete|Published

'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.

Cape Times News
Mandilakhe Tshwete|Published

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.

Cape Argus News
Mandilakhe Tshwete|Published

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.

News South Africa Western Cape
Mandilakhe Tshwete|Published

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.

Cape Argus News
Mandilakhe Tshwete|Published

Court drama: 'Your life is on the line, literally', says Judge Erasmus

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.

News South Africa Western Cape
Mandilakhe Tshwete|Published

Scripted Confession: Van Rhyn claims he was coerced by police

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. "

Cape Argus News
Mandilakhe Tshwete|Published

Steveno claims police told him what to say in Joshlin Smith case confession

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.

News South Africa Western Cape
Mandilakhe Tshwete|Published

Van Rhyn recounts torture claims during police interrogation in Joshlin Smith case

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.

Cape Argus News
Mandilakhe Tshwete|Published

More torture claims emerge during Joshlin Smith trial

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.

News South Africa Western Cape
Mandilakhe Tshwete|Published

Accused in Joshlin Smith trial says police threatened to 'throw him in the ocean'

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.

News South Africa Western Cape
Mandilakhe Tshwete|Published

Steveno van Rhyn details alleged assault and torture in Joshlin Smith case

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.

Cape Argus News
Mandilakhe Tshwete|Published

Steveno recounts alleged assault and torture during the Joshlin Smith investigation

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.

News South Africa Western Cape
Mandilakhe Tshwete|Published

Boeta returns to the stand amid allegations of police misconduct

Jacquen ‘Boeta’ Appollis returns to the stand in the Joshlin Smith trial, facing intense cross-examination over his claims of police brutality, as the court investigates the validity of confessions made under duress.

Cape Argus News
Mandilakhe Tshwete|Published

Joshlin Smith trial: Appollis returns to the stand amid allegations of police misconduct

The seventh week of the Joshlin Smith trial sees Jacquen ‘Boeta’ Appollis back on the stand, facing cross-examination over his claims of police brutality during his arrest. As the case unfolds at the Western Cape High Court, Appollis and his co-accused allege torture, while police deny all allegations.

News South Africa Western Cape
Mandilakhe Tshwete|Published

Joshlin Smith trial: Anticipation builds as Boeta and Steveno prepare to testify

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.

News South Africa Western Cape
Mandilakhe Tshwete|Published