Joshlin Smith Case: Accused Shares Emotional Testimony, Alleges Police Torture

The Western Cape High Court has heard emotional testimony from Jacquen “Boeta” Appollis, the boyfriend of Joshlin Smith’s mother, Racquel ‘Kelly’ Smith.

Appollis, the last known person to have seen the six-year-old before her disappearance on February 19, 2024, alleges that he was beaten, tortured, and coerced by police into giving a false statement.

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Allegations Of Police Brutality

Appollis claims that on March 4, 2024, police picked him up and took him to the Sea Border offices in Saldanha, where he was subjected to brutal treatment.

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He testified that officers wrapped a black bag over his head, beat him with batons, and cable-tied his hands.

Appollis also alleged that his body was wrapped in a flag as multiple officers hit him repeatedly.

The alleged torture led to him revealing information about Maka Lima, which he claims was not true.

Trial-Within-a-Trial to Determine Admissibility Of Confessions

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The testimony forms part of the trial-within-a-trial to determine whether confessions by Appollis and co-accused Steveno van Rhyn were obtained voluntarily. Judge Nathan Erasmus is overseeing the proceedings.

Defense attorney Fanie Harmse argues that any confession made under such conditions cannot be deemed lawful or admissible.

The state has yet to respond to these new claims.

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