Khanyisile Nkosi
Khanyisile Nkosi
Allegations by murder accused Ronald Jones that he was forced to confess to the killing of six-year-old Michaela Ghairoenisha Lee were put to the test yesterday.
One after the other, police testified in the Johannesburg high court that they did not witness any assault or threats against Jones after his arrest on December 6.
The state called the police to prove that Jones voluntarily made a confession and pointed out the crime scene.
Jones, 27, also known as "Dondo" in Eldorado Park, is alleged to have lured Michaela to a section of open veld in Eldorado Park, south of Johannesburg, where he forced her to touch his genitals before he raped and killed her.
Bloodied rocks, pornographic material and a pair of underpants were found next to the half-naked body when it was discovered the next day.
Jones has pleaded not guilty to charges of kidnapping, indecent assault, rape and murder.
Yesterday, through his advocate, Mpho Mulubi, Jones told the court that he knew nothing about Michaela's murder.
He said police had beaten him until he admitted that he knew about the crime.
He accused police of telling him what to say.
To test his allegations, the state requested a trial-within-a-trial during which police testified.
Police witnesses said if Jones had been threatened or assaulted, they would have heard and seen it.
The trial continues.
'Murder accused not beaten'
Khanyisile Nkosi
Khanyisile Nkosi
Allegations by murder accused Ronald Jones that he was forced to confess to the killing of six-year-old Michaela Ghairoenisha Lee were put to the test yesterday.
One after the other, police testified in the Johannesburg high court that they did not witness any assault or threats against Jones after his arrest on December 6.
The state called the police to prove that Jones voluntarily made a confession and pointed out the crime scene.
Jones, 27, also known as "Dondo" in Eldorado Park, is alleged to have lured Michaela to a section of open veld in Eldorado Park, south of Johannesburg, where he forced her to touch his genitals before he raped and killed her.
Bloodied rocks, pornographic material and a pair of underpants were found next to the half-naked body when it was discovered the next day.
Jones has pleaded not guilty to charges of kidnapping, indecent assault, rape and murder.
Yesterday, through his advocate, Mpho Mulubi, Jones told the court that he knew nothing about Michaela's murder.
He said police had beaten him until he admitted that he knew about the crime.
He accused police of telling him what to say.
To test his allegations, the state requested a trial-within-a-trial during which police testified.
Police witnesses said if Jones had been threatened or assaulted, they would have heard and seen it.
The trial continues.