Joshlin Smith trial: Detective denies witnessing alleged assault of accused 2 during interrogation
Joshlin's mother, Kelly Smith, Jacquen Appollis and Stevano van Rhyn are on trial for kidnapping and human trafficking in the Western Cape High Court sitting in the Saldanha Bay Multi-Purpose Center.
Kelly Smith (right), Jaquen Appollis and Stevano van Rhyn in the Western Cape high Court sitting in the Saldanha Bay Multi-Purpose Centre on 07 April 2025. Picture: Kayleen Morgan /EWN.
SALDANHA BAY - A police detective has denied being present when accused number two in the Joshlin Smith trial was allegedly assaulted during interrogation.
The detective is being cross-examined during a trial within a trial for the court to decide whether confession statements made by two of the accused can be used as evidence by the state following allegations that they were made under duress.
Joshlin's mother, Kelly Smith, Jacquen Appollis and Stevano van Rhyn are on trial for kidnapping and human trafficking in the Western Cape High Court sitting in the Saldanha Bay multi-purpose centre.
Defense attorney Nobahle Mkabayi, who represents accused number two, Stevano van Rhyn, questioned Sergeant Dawid Fortuin on Wednesday about his interrogation of her client on the 5th of March last year.
Van Rhyn claims Fortuin was present when he was assaulted by men he presumed were police officers at the sea border police offices in Saldanha Bay.
Mkabayi told the court van rhyn was so badly beaten he could not control his bladder.
"He peed on his trousers. You don't even remember. That never ever happened, your worship."
Mkabayi told the court van rhyn is not the author of his confession statement as it was orchestrated by police.