Key Witnesses Set To Testify In High-Profile Joshlin Smith Kidnapping Case

The high-profile trial of those accused in the kidnapping of six-year-old Joshlin Smith has entered its seventh week at the Western Cape High Court, with key witnesses Jacquen ‘Boeta’ Appollis and Steveno ‘Steffie’ van Rhyn set to testify on Friday morning.

The case, which continues to grip the nation, focuses on the disappearance of Joshlin from her home in Middelpos, Saldanha Bay, on 19 February 2024.

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Trial Against Family Members And Associates For Kidnapping And Human Trafficking

Joshlin Smith’s disappearance has caused widespread public concern, and her family members, including her mother Racquel ‘Kelly’ Smith, her boyfriend Jacquen Appollis, and Steveno van Rhyn, face charges of kidnapping and human trafficking.

The trial has attracted significant attention as the prosecution and defense argue over key pieces of evidence.

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This week, defense attorney Nobahle Mkabayi, representing van Rhyn, questioned the admissibility of her client’s video-recorded confession from 5 March 2024.

Mkabayi claimed that Van Rhyn was mentally and physically unfit to provide a voluntary statement.

He cited signs of fatigue and drowsiness as key reasons why the statement should not be accepted as valid.

Confession Controversy: Dispute Over Evidence

During the proceedings, Mkabayi argued that, on of the key witness, Van Rhyn was not in a proper state to provide a confession, pointing to his apparent drowsiness.

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She claimed, “Most of the time, he is sleepy, closing his eyes… he looks drowsy,” casting doubt on his ability to give a voluntary and accurate statement.

However, Captain Philip Seekoei, who conducted the questioning, testified that Van Rhyn was alert, cooperative, and answered questions appropriately.

Seekoei insisted that the video-recorded statement was not a confession, but simply a statement made by the accused.

“He was not sleeping… he nodded and answered questions,” Seekoei affirmed, disputing the defense’s claims.

Courtroom Drama: Kelly Smith’s Brief Removal And Continued Public Interest

As the trial unfolded, there was a brief moment of drama when Kelly Smith, Joshlin’s mother, was temporarily removed from the courtroom after appearing with a bump on her forehead.

However, she later returned to the proceedings as the trial continued at the White City Multipurpose Centre in Diazville.

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