Joshlin Smith trial: Court set to rule on admissibility of 2 confessions
This week, the court is expected to rule on the admissibility of two confessions in the Joshlin Smith trial.
Jacquen Appollis, accused number one in the Joshlin Smith trial, testified at the Western Cape High Court sitting in the Saldanha Multi-Purpose Centre on 11 April 2025. Picture: Kayleen Morgan/EWN
JOHANNESBURG - The court is expected to rule on the admissibility of two confessions in the Joshlin Smith trial this week.
In the meantime, the prosecution is set to continue questioning one of the accused on Tuesday about how he was allegedly tortured during police interrogation.
For the last two weeks, the court has heard a trial within a trial to determine whether the confession statement made by Jacquen Appollis can be used as evidence by the State.
Appollis is on trial, along with Stevano van Rhyn, and Joshlin's mother, Kelly Smith, for the child's disappearance more than a year ago.
Prosecutor Aradanha Heeramun will continue with her cross-examination of Appollis on Tuesday.
Last week, Heeramun asked Appollis why he did not report his alleged torture and injuries to authorities after his arrest.
Appollis claims he was tortured and beaten repeatedly by five men while he was being interrogated in March 2024.
He alleges that detectives told him what to say in his confession statement, or the torture would continue.
READ: Joshlin Smith: Jacquen Appolis questioned about reporting his injuries
Several senior police officers who have so far testified in this human trafficking trial said they had no knowledge of the alleged torture.
Heeramun also questioned Appollis about why he took so long to report the alleged incident.
The trial within a trial continues on Tuesday.