Joshlin Smith trial: Claims of torture and brutality take centre stage

CAPE TOWN - Claims of torture and police brutality have again taken centre stage in the Joshlin Smith trial.

This comes as one of the accused in the matter is questioned about why he did not report his alleged torture to authorities.

Steveno van Rhyn was on the stand on Wednesday to testify in a trial within a trial.

Legal teams are arguing for the court to decide whether confession statements by van Rhyn and co-accused, Jacquen Appollis, can be used as evidence in the trial.

Van Rhyn, Appollis and Joshlin's mother, Kelly Smith, are charged with kidnapping and human trafficking in Joshlin's disappearance.

Van Rhyn was questioned by his attorney, Nobahle Mkabayi, on Wednesday about why he chose not to tell authorities about his alleged torture.

Van Rhyn and Appollis claim police officers repeatedly beat them during interrogation to admit they were involved in Joshlin's disappearance more than a year ago.

Medical examinations done on the accused before the confessions show van Rhyn and Appollis had various injuries.

Mkabayi asked van Rhyn why he chose not to tell the police detective who took his confession statement about the alleged torture.

"Why didn't you tell Seekoei that you were tortured?"

Replied van Rhyn: "I was scared if I told him, he would tell them."

He concluded his testimony before State prosecutor Zelda Swanepoel started cross-examining the accused.

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