KEY POINTS
- Brigadier Leon Hanana testified about his role in the case.
- Hanana emphasized the importance of proper police conduct during interviews.
- A coordinated search failed to locate missing child Joshlin Smith.
The trial within a trial for the Joshlin Smith case continues to unfold. This separate trial aims to investigate whether any police officers assaulted suspects Jacquen ‘Boeta’ Appollis and Steveno van Rhyn during their questioning. Both men claim they were tortured by police while in custody. The investigation into these allegations remains an essential part of the proceedings.
This trial does not interfere with the main trial regarding Smith’s disappearance but will influence the final ruling. As part of the process, it seeks to determine if police actions violated suspects’ rights.
Brigadier Leon Hanana’s testimony
On Tuesday afternoon, Brigadier Leon Hanana, head of the Serious and Violent Crimes Unit in Western Cape, took the stand. He became involved in the Joshlin Smith case when the child went missing on February 19, 2024. Hanana explained his role in high-profile incidents across the province, such as missing person cases.
He explained that he was directed to Saldanha by Police Commissioner General Patekile and the Deputy Commissioner to manage the situation. Upon arrival, Hanana quickly assessed the situation and noticed tensions surrounding the case. He assembled a team of law enforcement professionals, including detectives and crime intelligence officers, to investigate further.
A coordinated search effort
According to IOL, the investigation into Joshlin Smith’s disappearance escalated quickly. On March 4, 2024, Hanana’s team initiated an integrated operation, bringing together SAPS, K9 units, the South African Navy, and the public. Despite intense efforts, the search for Smith remained unsuccessful. During this time, Hanana sought to re-interview suspects involved in the case, including Boeta and van Rhyn.
One lead suggested a possible connection to a naval officer who allegedly requested a “white child” for unknown purposes. However, a search of the area linked to this lead returned no significant results.
Throughout the proceedings, Hanana emphasized the importance of proper police conduct during interviews. He stressed that officers should document any injuries to suspects, and he outlined protocols to prevent potential liability. In the event of police misconduct, Hanana committed to taking disciplinary or legal action against any officers involved.
