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Confessions Rock Joshlin Smith Trial as Judge Rules Statements Admissible
The disappearance of six-year-old Joshlin Smith continues to haunt the community of Saldanha as the high-profile court case enters a dramatic new phase. This week, the Western Cape High Court ruled to admit videotaped confessions from two accused, a decision that could significantly shift the momentum of the case.
Judge Nathan Erasmus ruled that the statements made by Jacquen ‘Boeta’ Appollis and Steveno van Rhyn, though allegedly obtained through police torture, were admissible in court. The pair had claimed their confessions were made under duress, but inconsistencies in their stories weakened their defence and prompted the court to proceed with the evidence.
The trial-within-a-trial focused on whether Appollis and Van Rhyn were coerced into confessing. While both men insisted on their innocence, their narratives unraveled during cross-examination. Judge Erasmus found no credible evidence of coercion, paving the way for the prosecution to present their recorded statements in the main trial.
These developments may be pivotal in the case, as the videotaped confessions are expected to strengthen the State’s version of events surrounding Joshlin’s disappearance.
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Joshlin’s mother distances herself from torture claims
Kelly Smith, Joshlin’s mother and one of the three main accused, has not challenged the voluntariness of her own statements. Her legal team chose not to dispute how her evidence was obtained, potentially isolating her position from that of the co-accused.
With her statements still under review and her legal strategy unclear, Kelly Smith’s next move could determine the trajectory of her involvement as the case continues.
Investigator’s upcoming testimony expected to be key
Captain Wesley Lombard, the lead investigator, is scheduled to testify this week. His appearance could shed light on one of the most disturbing claims made during the investigation — the allegation that Joshlin may have been sold for R20 000. Though this accusation remains unproven, it continues to fuel speculation and community outrage.
Prosecutors have confirmed that Phumza Sigaqa, initially expected to testify, has been dropped from the witness list. No further explanation has been provided for her removal, though the trial continues to evolve rapidly with each session.
As the trial resumes at the White City Multipurpose Centre, families, community members, and reporters are watching closely, desperate for answers in a case that has captured national attention. The hope remains that justice will be served — and that the truth about what happened to Joshlin Smith will finally be revealed.
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Sourced:Cape Town ETC
Picture: TimesLive/X
