Torture allegations dominate week in Joshlin Smith trial

A WEEK of intense courtroom drama unfolded in the Western Cape High Court as two of the accused in the Joshlin Smith case detailed disturbing allegations of torture by police, while the State pushed back against claims that confessions were coerced.

- MANDILAKHE TSHWETE

The trial-within-a-trial is examining whether confessions made by accused Jacquen “Boeta” Appollis and Steveno “Steffie” van Rhyn were obtained voluntarily. Both men claim they were brutally assaulted and psychologically manipulated during interrogations in the days following their arrest in early March 2024.

Joshlin, six, went missing on 19 February 2024 from her home in Middelpos, Saldanha Bay. Her mother, Racquel “Kelly” Smith, left her in the care of Appollis.

Kelly, Appollis, and Van Rhyn were later arrested. A fourth accused, Maka Lima, was added after being implicated by one of the other accused during interrogation, but charges against her were dropped. A fifth person, Lourentia “Renz” Lombaard, was also charged with kidnapping and human trafficking. She has since turned state witness.

This week, defence attorney Nobahle Mkabayi cross-examined Sergeant Dawid Fortuin of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, who testified that Van Rhyn first mentioned Lima’s involvement and that Appollis later confirmed it.