Joshlin Smith trial: Police captain questioned on Stevano van Rhyn's confession statement
The captain was cross-examined about a confession statement that accused number two, Stevano van Rhyn, made in March last year.
Joshlin Smith's mother, Kelly Smith and co-accused Jacquen Appolis and Stevano van Rhyn are charged with kidnapping and human trafficking. Picture: Kayleen Morgan/ Eyewitness News
CAPE TOWN - A police captain in the Joshlin Smith trial was questioned on Wednesday about why he continued taking a statement from one of the accused who appeared to be sleeping.
The captain was cross-examined about a confession statement that accused number two, Stevano van Rhyn, made in March last year.
Van Rhyn, Jacquen Appollis and Joshlin's mother, Kelly Smith, are charged with kidnapping and human trafficking in the Western Cape High Court sitting in the Saldanha multi-purpose centre.
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Using video footage of police captain Philip Seekoei taking Stevano van Rhyn's confession statement, defense attorney Nobahle Mkabayi questioned the detective about why he continued to take the statement as the accused appeared to be sleeping.
Van Rhyn and Appollis claim they were tortured by police to confess that Smith told them to leave Joshlin with a woman in Middelpos known as "Maka Lima".
The footage shows Seekoei continuing to write down the statement while van Rhyn appears to be sleeping for about twenty seconds.
Seekoei told the court he did not notice the accused's eyes were closed when he wrote down the statement, adding that he did appear tired.