Joshlin Smith trial: Van Rhyn says he was scared to report his alleged torture to authorities
On Wednesday, accused number two in the trial, Steveno van Rhyn, was on the stand to testify in a trial within a trial.
Steveno van Rhyn, accused number two in the disappearance of Joshlin Smith, was cross-examined in the Western Cape High Court sitting at the Saldanha Bay Multi-purpose Centre on 16 April 2025. Picture: Carlo Petersen/EWN
SALDANHA BAY - An accused in the Joshlin Smith trial told the court that he was scared to report his alleged torture to authorities.
On Wednesday, accused number two in the trial, Steveno van Rhyn, was on the stand to testify in a trial within a trial.
Legal teams are set to conclude arguments on Thursday for the court to decide whether confession statements by Van Rhyn and co-accused, Jacquen Appollis, could be used as evidence in the trial.
Van Rhyn, Appollis and Joshlin's mother, Kelly Smith, are charged with kidnapping and human trafficking for Joshlin's disappearance.
Van Rhyn was asked by his attorney, Nobahle Mkabayi, why he chose not to tell authorities about his alleged torture.
Van Rhyn and Appollis allege they were repeatedly beaten by police during interrogation to admit they were involved in Joshlin's disappearance.
Mkabayi questioned Van Rhyn about why he did not tell the police detective who took his confession statement about the alleged torture.
"Why didn't you tell Seekoei that you were tortured?" Mkabayi asked.
"I was scared if I told him, he would tell them," Van Rhyn said.
Van Rhyn is set to take the stand again on Thursday for the State to wrap up its cross-examination.