Crime news from across South Africa: police investigations, court cases, gender-based violence, missing persons and the reporting behind the statistics, updated as cases develop.
Day 23 of the Joshlin Smith trial resumes with cross-examination of Captain Seekoe, as the court focuses on the admissibility of video-recorded statements made by Steveno van Rhyn amid concerns over poor audio and incomplete transcripts.
Day 22 of the Joshlin Smith trial featured the state’s video evidence of Steveno van Rhyn’s alleged confession, which was criticised by the judge for missing crucial content and poor audio quality.
The Justice Minister has called for a full report after the court cleared Timothy Omotoso of rape and human trafficking, while the NPA confirms he will be deported.
After being found not guilty of rape and human trafficking, Timothy Omotoso will be deported from South Africa for being in the country illegally.
Day 22 of the Joshlin Smith trial will focus on video evidence of Steveno van Rhyn and Jacquen Appollis’s confessions, as Colonel Clark returns to the stand to verify how the interviews were conducted.
Day 21 of the Joshlin Smith trial focused on questions over Ayanda’s role, challenges to the credibility of detention records, and testimony that scrutinised how confessions were obtained from the accused.
Pastor Timothy Omotoso and his co-accused have been found not guilty on all charges after years of trial and delays.
Day 21 of the Joshlin Smith trial continues with cross-examination of Brigadier Leon Hanana, as the defence challenges whether confessions by Jacquen and Steveno were made voluntarily or under duress.
Day 20 of the Joshlin Smith trial revealed new information from Brigadier Leon Hanana and concluded Captain Lombard’s testimony amid allegations of torture against two of the accused.
Two suspects were killed and five arrested in Soweto after police foiled a planned cash-in-transit robbery and recovered weapons and stolen vehicles.
Police have confirmed that DNA samples have now been collected from all three suspects in the Cwecwe rape case, including the school principal.
Day 20 of the Joshlin Smith trial will continue the trial-within-a-trial to determine whether statements by Jacquen Appollis and Steveno van Rhyn were made voluntarily or under coercion.
A Limpopo teacher is on the run after allegedly raping a 13-year-old pupil, while national police continue to prioritise the high-profile Cwecwe rape case.
A violent altercation at Bapong Clinic involving an unruly group of individuals led to injuries and a criminal case, prompting security reinforcements.
A rape case involving a seven-year-old girl in the Eastern Cape has sparked national outrage, prompting police and education authorities to intensify their response.
Day 19 of the Joshlin Smith trial revealed for the first time that Phumza Sigaqa, once an accused, is now a state witness linked to key claims about Joshlin’s disappearance.
Three suspected robbers were shot and killed in Reservoir Hills during a shootout with police following an intelligence-driven operation.
Day 19 is expected to focus on the legality of the police’s interview methods, especially concerning whether the suspects were properly informed of their rights before making statements. This will set the stage for a trial-within-a-trial, scheduled to begin next week.
Captain Lombard's shocking testimony was so incriminating, Kelly became ill and was rushed out of the courtroom. Here's what happened on Day 18 of the Joshlin Smith trial.
The Joshlin Smith trial continues on Day 18 with more testimony expected from the lead investigator following shocking revelations about Kelly Smith’s statements to police.
On Day 17 of the Joshlin Smith trial, Lourentia Lombaard faced further scrutiny over inconsistencies in her testimony, while a police investigator revealed shocking statements made by Kelly Smith about her missing daughter.
Six suspects, including two police officers, appeared in court for their alleged role in a G4S truck robbery. The case has been postponed for a bail hearing.
With cross-examinations still ongoing, today’s proceedings will likely see further scrutiny of Lombaard’s testimony, particularly regarding her timeline of events on 18 and 19 February 2024.
Former Pretoria school principal Martin Kotze, who was facing multiple child abuse charges, has died by suicide ahead of his next court appearance.
The trial of missing six-year-old Joshlin Smith continued with intense cross-examinations, contradictions, and a tense courtroom exchange.
Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has confirmed that a Zimbabwean national, in the country illegally, has been arrested in connection with the murder of six community patrollers in Soshanguve.
The judge wants the defence to wrap up its cross-examination of Lourentia Lombaard today. Here's what to expect.
On Day 15 of the Joshlin Smith trial, Lourentia Lombaard was cross-examined by two defence lawyers and broke down recounting an alleged abduction, while the defence probed inconsistencies in her timeline of Joshlin’s disappearance.
A teacher was kidnapped outside Happydale Special School in Algoa Park, Nelson Mandela Bay, on Monday morning, with the abduction captured on surveillance footage.
The Joshlin Smith trial continues with more contradictions from State witness Lourentia Lombaard, whose cross-examination raise serious doubts about her reliability.
![Joshlin Smith trial watch: What to expect on Day 23, how to watch live in South Africa [video]](https://www.swisherpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/joshlin-smith-trial-watch-daily-streams-day-23-768x512.jpg)
![Joshlin Smith trial watch: What to expect on Day 22, how to watch live in South Africa [video]](https://www.swisherpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/joshlin-smith-trial-watch-daily-streams-day-21-768x512.jpg)
![Joshlin Smith trial watch: What to expect on Day 20, how to watch live in South Africa [video]](https://www.swisherpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/joshlin-smith-trial-watch-daily-streams-day-20-768x512.jpg)
![Bapong Health Centre reopens after horror stabbing incident [video]](https://www.swisherpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/swisherpost-bapong-health-centre-768x512.jpg)
![Joshlin Smith trial watch: What to expect on Day 19, how to watch live in South Africa [video]](https://www.swisherpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/joshlin-smith-trial-watch-daily-streams-day-19-768x512.jpg)
![Joshlin Smith trial watch: What to expect on Day 18, how to watch live in South Africa [video]](https://www.swisherpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/joshlin-smith-trial-watch-daily-streams-day-18-768x512.jpg)
![Joshlin Smith trial watch: What to expect on Day 17, how to watch live in South Africa [video]](https://www.swisherpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/joshlin-smith-trial-watch-daily-streams-day-17-768x512.jpg)
![Joshlin Smith trial watch: What to expect on Day 16, how to watch live in South Africa [video]](https://www.swisherpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/joshlin-smith-trial-watch-daily-streams-day-16-768x512.jpg)
![Watch: Happydale Special School teacher kidnapping caught on CCTV [video]](https://www.swisherpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/swisherpost-happyplace-special-school-kidnapping-768x512.jpg)
![Joshlin Smith trial watch: What to expect on Day 15, how to watch live in South Africa [video]](https://www.swisherpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/joshlin-smith-trial-watch-daily-streams-day-15-768x512.jpg)