Western Cape Crime Unit Head takes stand

AS THE trial within a trial continues in the Joshlin Smith matter, a new witness was called to the stand.

- ROBIN-LEE FRANKE

The trial within a trial stems from Jacquen 'Boeta' Appollis and Stevano van Rhyn, claiming they were assaulted and tortured by police during their questioning.

The trial within a trial is to find out whether any assault has taken place, and it will be for the conduct of a ruling after the matter has concluded. What is important to note is that this is a separate matter from the main trial.

Western Cape head of the Serious and Violent Crimes Unit, Brigadier Leon Hanana, was called to the stand yesterday.

Hanana testified he got involved with the case on February 19, 2024, the day Joshlin was reported missing, after there were news articles from different media houses reporting on a missing child in Saldanha.

He said he arrived in Saldanha on February 29, 2024, but before his arrival, he had been in contact with the commander of the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit to get more insight into the case.