The trial of three individuals accused of kidnapping and trafficking six-year-old Joshlin Smith took a dramatic turn when one of the accused, Steveno van Rhyn, claimed that he was subjected to intense pressure and coercion during his police interrogation after the child’s disappearance. Van Rhyn, alongside Jacquen ‘Boeta’ Appollis and Kelly Smith, faces charges of kidnapping and trafficking, but he maintains his innocence and insists that he did not see Joshlin on the day she went missing.
During the proceedings at the Western Cape High Court in Saldanha, van Rhyn’s lawyer, Nobahle Mkabayi, read his plea explanation into evidence, detailing how the accused was allegedly treated during his time in police custody. Van Rhyn, a cellphone repairman, recalled spending time with Boeta and others on the day Joshlin disappeared, but he stated that he never saw the child. Instead, he described a day filled with errands and drug use, during which he interacted with Boeta and other acquaintances. He also recalled hearing a conversation about Joshlin but confirmed he did not encounter her in person.
However, van Rhyn’s account took a concerning turn when he described his experience in police detention. According to him, after being stopped while hitchhiking, he was taken by officers to Jacobs Bay Beach and later to a police facility. Van Rhyn claimed that during his time in custody, he was subjected to harsh questioning and was made to feel immense pressure to provide information, which he feared might have serious consequences for him.
He emphasized that the treatment he received led him to feel anxious and afraid, believing that the officers were trying to force him to confess to something he did not do. He shared that he ultimately gave a statement out of concern for his well-being, despite maintaining his innocence throughout.
The trial continues, and it remains to be seen how these new developments will affect the ongoing proceedings. The defense and prosecution are set to continue presenting evidence, with the case drawing significant attention due to the serious charges and the unusual circumstances surrounding the investigation.
