Joshlin Smith trial: Accused Van Rhyn set to continue testimony in trial within a trial

CAPE TOWN - Accused number two in the Joshlin Smith trial, Stevano van Rhyn, is set to continue his testimony on Wednesday in a trial within a trial.

Legal teams are arguing for the court to decide whether confession statements made by Van Rhyn and Jacquen Appollis can be used as evidence in the trial.

Van Rhyn, Appollis and Joshlin's mother, Kelly Smith, faces charges of kidnapping and human trafficking for the child's disappearance.

On Tuesday, Van Rhyn detailed how he was allegedly kidnapped and assaulted before his arrest in March 2024.

Van Rhyn told the court he was on his way home from Vredenburg Magistrates Court when he was bundled into a bakkie by two men he believed were police officers.

The accused said he was taken to Jacobsbaai beach, where he was handcuffed before being beaten and questioned about Joshlin's disappearance.

READ: Joshlin Smith trial: Van Rhyn details alleged kidnapping, assault before arrest

Van Rhyn's attorney, Nobahle Mkabayi, questioned her client about he alleged incident.

"Why were these people beating you? I don't know why they assaulted me, but afterwards, it came to me that they were asking me where is Joshlin, what did you do with Joshlin?"

Van Rhyn is expected to tell the court about the alleged torture he allegedly experienced at the Sea Border offices when the trial within a trial resumes on Wednesday.

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