Cape Town – The cross-examination of state witness Lourentia Lombaard in the Joshlin Smith kidnapping trial is expected to conclude on Tuesday.
Lombaard, initially charged but later turning state witness, testified that she overheard Joshlin’s mother, Kelly Smith, planning to sell her daughter.
Joshlin went missing from her Middelpos home in Saldanha Bay on February 19, 2024. Smith, her boyfriend Jacquen Appollis, and Steveno van Rhyn were arrested for kidnapping and human trafficking.
The cross-examination of key state witness Lourentia ‘Renz’ Lombaard in the Joslin Smith trial continued this morning, with her testimony revealing significant inconsistencies.
Lombaard was emotional once again during the cross-examination, as her statements were scrutinized. pic.twitter.com/Xh79KEmNQu
— MDN NEWS (@MDNnewss) March 24, 2025
Judge Nathan Erasmus summarised Lombaard’s testimony on Monday, stating that Smith allegedly planned the sale, Appollis initially refused but later helped cover it up, and van Rhyn was present but not actively involved. Lombaard also recounted being taken to a safe house before being assaulted and threatened.
Defence lawyer Nobahle Mkabayi challenged inconsistencies in her testimony, accusing her of lying.
[WATCH] Defence lawyer Nobahle Mkabayi accuses state witness Lourentia Lombaard of lying, during the trial into the disappearance of Joshlin Smith.#Newzroom405 pic.twitter.com/FxR5bdH8Xz
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) March 24, 2025
[WATCH] Defence counsel for Jacquen “Boeta” Appollis in the Joshlin Smith trial has suggested that the state’s key witness, Lourentia Lombaard, has continuously lied about his client’s involvement in the girl’s disappearance. pic.twitter.com/mf7ttarkMy
— SABC News (@SABCNews) March 24, 2025
Follow African Insider on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
Picture: Screengrab
For more African news, visit Africaninsider.com
Compiled by Betha Madhomu
