๐๐ถ๐ฒ๐, ๐๐ผ๐ผ๐ฝ๐ ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐๐ผ๐๐ ๐ง๐ฟ๐๐๐
Reporter – Ashley Rix
Saldanha:- Under mounting pressure and firm but calm questioning by Judge Nathan Erasmus, Jacquin โBoetaโ Appollis finally cracked.
In a dramatic turn, Boeta admitted to lying under oathโnot once, but knowingly.
Judge Erasmus took a patient, methodical approach, ensuring Boeta fully grasped the line of questioning. When asked directly whether he had lied in his statement, Boeta attempted to downplay the situation, saying: โI just left out one sentence.โ But further probing exposed the full extent of the deception.
That โone sentenceโ turned out to be critical.
When asked why he omitted it, Boeta claimed, โI donโt know.โ And when asked whether the lie mattered, he boldly said, โNO.โ But moments later, he revealed he had deliberately added false information to make his version of events โflow better.โ
It was a bombshell moment that shattered the credibility of his entire testimony.
Judge Erasmus didnโt let it slide. He challenged Boeta on the unnecessary embellishmentsโlike specifically mentioning โ4 children younger than Joshlinโ instead of simply saying โchildren.โ Boetaโs reasoning? โI had to make the story flow.โ
The judge pressed further: โWere you scared when you made the statement?โ
Boeta replied: โYes.โ
It was here that Erasmus delivered a cutting remark:
โYour made-up story sounds too perfect.โ
He even asked if Boeta had been good at writing compositions in school. Boeta, with a nervous chuckle, said: โNot really.โ Still, he confirmed again: he lied. On Friday. In court.
The court now appears focused on what changed Boetaโs mind over the weekend. Did someone get to him? Did fear take over? These remain unanswered, but the shift in tone is undeniable.
As the State Prosecutor noted: โUp until now, you were cool and calm. Why are you so nervous today?โ
A new witness is expected to testify on Boetaโs behalf in the next session.
Stay with CCN for the latest.
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