The Joshlin Smith trial resumes with cross-examination of Captain Phillip Seekoei over a contested confession, as the court weighs whether statements from the accused were obtained lawfully.
Day 23 of the Joshlin Smith trial focused on video recordings of alleged confessions by Jacquen Appollis and Steveno van Rhyn, exposing disturbing claims about Joshlin’s disappearance and Kelly Smith’s alleged role.
The Gauteng High Court has ruled that former defence minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula is entitled to access key parts of the state’s sealed investigation docket in her fraud case.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Joshlin Smith trial continues with more contradictions from State witness Lourentia Lombaard, whose cross-examination raise serious doubts about her reliability.
The attempted murder case against businessman Edwin Sodi has been struck off the roll after complainants withdrew their statements.
On Day 14 of the Joshlin Smith trial, Lourentia Lombaard was grilled over inconsistencies in her confessions, with the defence challenging her credibility and timeline of events.
With each testimony shaping the direction of the case, Day 14 is expected to be another crucial day in court.
On Day 13 of the Joshlin Smith trial, intense cross-examination caused State witness Lourentia Lombaard to suffer a panic attack, leading to an abrupt adjournment.
With tensions high and each testimony shaping the direction of the Joshlin Smith trial, Day 13 is set to be another crucial day in court.
On Day 12 of the Joshlin Smith trial, the defence challenged witness testimonies, grilling the protected witness and State’s key witness, Lourentia Lombaard, on inconsistencies in their statements.
