The trial of the accused in the case of missing six-year-old Joshlin Smith has been marked by chilling torture allegations, as two defendants claimed police brutality during their interrogations. The ongoing trial-within-a-trial, taking place in the Western Cape High Court, is focusing on whether the confessions made by Jacquen “Boeta” Appollis and Steveno “Steffie” van Rhyn were coerced.
Both men allege that they were tortured and psychologically manipulated by the police after their arrests in early March 2024, in connection with Joshlin’s disappearance on February 19, 2024. Joshlin went missing from her home in Middelpos, Saldanha Bay, under the care of Appollis. He and Van Rhyn, along with Joshlin’s mother, Racquel “Kelly” Smith, were arrested in the aftermath of her disappearance. A fourth suspect, Maka Lima, was initially charged but had her case dropped after being implicated during questioning. Lourentia “Renz” Lombaard was also charged but later became a state witness.
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The defense attorneys have strongly disputed the legitimacy of the confessions, pointing to physical evidence and testimonies suggesting the men were not in a fit state to give voluntary statements. During cross-examination, the defense argued that Van Rhyn appeared disoriented and injured, with a video showing signs of sleep deprivation and physical harm.
Appollis also took the stand, recounting his ordeal, including being blindfolded, beaten with batons, and subjected to suffocation. He testified that police instructed him to falsely implicate Maka Lima in Joshlin’s abduction. However, the prosecution has cast doubt on the credibility of these allegations, questioning why the accused did not file complaints sooner and pointing to inconsistencies in their testimonies.
As the trial continues, the court seeks to determine whether the confessions made by the defendants were obtained under duress or were voluntary admissions of guilt. Judge Nathan Erasmus has expressed a desire to conclude this phase of the trial soon so that the main trial can move forward.
