The high-profile trial surrounding the disappearance of young Joshlin Smith took a dramatic turn on Friday, as one of the accused, Jacquen Appollis, was questioned about his claims of being tortured by police during interrogation.
Appollis, who stands trial alongside Stevano van Rhyn and Joshlin’s mother, Kelly Smith, appeared in court during a trial within a trial to determine the admissibility of a confession he allegedly made while in police custody.
The State is seeking to use the confession as part of its case against the accused, while Appollis maintains that the statement was made under duress after suffering physical abuse at the hands of law enforcement officials.
Jacquen Appollis
Claims of Torture During Police Interrogation
Taking the stand, Appollis testified that during his initial detention in March 2023, he was allegedly beaten and tortured by five men at the Sea Border Police offices. He claimed the abuse occurred over an extended period, and that detectives coerced him into signing a confession.
He stated that officers told him exactly what to write and threatened continued assault if he failed to comply.
“I was beaten repeatedly,” said Appollis. “They told me what to say in my statement. If I didn’t follow their instructions, the torture would continue.”
Appollis insisted that the confession he signed was not voluntary, and that he feared for his life during the interrogation.
Prosecutor Questions Credibility of Claims
However, State Prosecutor Aradanha Heeramun cast doubt on Appollis’s account, questioning why he did not report the alleged abuse immediately following his arrest.
Heeramun asked Appollis why he failed to disclose the extent of his injuries to the appropriate authorities, specifically questioning his interactions with Mr. Smeda, a figure involved in the early stages of the case.
Heeramun: “Did you report to Mr. Smeda what your injuries were?”
Appollis: “No, not on that day.”
Heeramun: “Why not?”
Appollis: “I was still a little bit scared.”
The prosecutor pointed out that despite claiming he had been seriously assaulted, Appollis waited before mentioning the injuries to anyone in an official capacity, raising questions about the credibility of his version of events.
Context of the Case
The trial has gripped the public’s attention as it delves into the mysterious disappearance of Joshlin Smith, a young girl whose case has triggered outrage and concern across the nation. Her mother, Kelly Smith, has come under intense scrutiny for her alleged role in the case, alongside her two co-accused.
All three have denied any wrongdoing, and the proceedings have thus far revealed a tangled web of allegations, counterclaims, and controversial evidence.
The trial within a trial is a legal mechanism used to determine whether certain pieces of evidence—particularly confessions—were obtained lawfully and voluntarily. If the court rules that Appollis’s confession was the result of coercion, it may be excluded from the final trial.
Next Steps in the Trial
The trial within a trial is expected to continue on Tuesday next week, when further evidence and testimony will be presented. The presiding judge will ultimately determine whether the confession statement is admissible under the law.
Legal experts watching the case say that the outcome of this phase could have a significant impact on the prosecution’s ability to build its case against the accused.
As the search for truth continues in the disappearance of Joshlin Smith, the trial remains one of the most closely watched legal battles in recent South African memory.