Joshlin Smith trial: Van Rhyn claims police threatened to throw him into the sea
Legal teams on Thursday continued to argue whether confession statements made by Stevano van Rhyn and Jacquen Appollis can be used as evidence in the trial.
SALDANHA BAY - An accused in the Joshlin Smith trial alleges that police threatened to throw him into the sea if he refused to make a confession statement.
Legal teams on Thursday continued to argue whether confession statements made by Stevano van Rhyn and Jacquen Appollis could be used as evidence in the trial.
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Van Rhyn, Appollis, and Joshlin's mother, Kelly Smith, are charged with kidnapping and human trafficking related to the child's disappearance.
Defence attorney Nobahle Mkabayi, who represents Van Rhyn, said her client was told by police what to say in his confession statement.
Van Rhyn and Jacquen Appollis claim they were tortured by police during interrogation in March 2024 to admit they were involved in Joshlin's disappearance.
Mkabayi questioned Sergeant Philip Seekooi on Thursday about why he continued to interview Van Rhyn when it was evident her client was suffering with pain and exhaustion.
Seekooi told the court that Van Rhyn was coherent and confirmed he was fit to continue with the statement.
Mkabayi said police threatened Van Rhyn to make the confession or he would be thrown into the ocean or buried in the sand.
The trial within a trial will continue on Friday.