Cape Town — The fifth suspect in the case of missing six-year-old Joshlin Smith made her first appearance in the Vredenburg Magistrate’s Court this morning.
Middelpos resident Lourencia “Renz” Lombaard (32) briefly appeared in court as she was charged with human trafficking and kidnapping of little Joshlin. She is the fifth suspect to be accused, after charges were dropped against alleged “sangoma” Phumza SIgaqa.
According to state prosecutor Jacques Van Zyl, Lombaard made a confession prior to her arrest, and also requested legal represenation and a translator for her court appearance, The Citizen said.
Upon leaving the court, Lombaard was confronted by community members, saying she must tell the truth, which she replied “I will”.
According to EWN, Saldanha Bay resident Diego Dierdricks, who has been part of the search for Joshlin, said the community is not surprised.
“I’m not shocked because we had a suspicion that she was involved. We went to her house to confront her, and you could see her body language. She was stuttering and her body language was off.”
Lombaard will remain in custody until 25 March for the State to collect bail information.
[WATCH] Fourth suspect, Loretta Lombard, arrested in connection with the disappearance of Joshlin Smith, makes her first appearance in the Vredenburg Magistrate’s Court.#Newzroom405 pic.twitter.com/yGcBeXGxwx
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) March 18, 2024
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen
