Laurentia Lombaard returned to the stand on Tuesday, facing a grilling from the defence counsel in a case that has captured public attention.
Once an accused herself, Lombaard turned State witness in October last year, explaining that she chose to speak out because she ‘could no longer hide things.’ Defence lawyer Fanie Harmse, representing Jacquen ‘Boeta’ Appollis, wasted no time pressing her on her testimony.
Harmse questioned whether she had willingly confessed to what she knew, which she confirmed. He also focused on her boyfriend, Ayanda Letoni, the owner of a Middelpos carwash, who had been mentioned multiple times in court. Lombaard testified that Ayanda left Saldanha in March 2024, before her incarceration, and denied that he had any interactions with Joshlin, stating, ‘No, there were not. Ayanda knew it was Kelly’s child. They just knew each other from seeing one another.’
The defence also dug into Ayanda’s past, particularly his alleged drug dealings. Lombaard previously claimed he had stopped selling drugs but couldn’t pinpoint exactly when, estimating it was sometime in 2022 or 2023. Harmse challenged this, suggesting it was unlikely given her own history of drug use, as reported by Ashley Rix.
While questioning her about her drug habits, Harmse attempted to highlight inconsistencies in her statements, but Lombaard held firm. He also brought up previous claims that she, Kelly, and Boeta smoked drugs together but never at her home, as Ayanda was ‘too strict.’ However, when she had her own supply, she admitted to smoking at home.
Harmse attempted to corner her on this point, stating that she had contradicted herself, but the State and Judge Nathan Erasmus swiftly intervened. Judge Erasmus instructed the defence to check the court record, making it clear that Harmse’s interpretation was incorrect.
With tensions rising, the courtroom witnessed a battle of words as Lombaard refused to waver under pressure.
More updates are expected as the case unfolds.
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Picture: Jaco Marais / Gallo Images
