A medical doctor found that the State’s key witness in the Joshlin Smith kidnapping trial was fit to continue her cross-examination in the Western Cape High Court, sitting in the Multipurpose Centre in Saldanha Bay, on Thursday.
This follows her emotional breakdown the previous day when she was questioned about discrepancies in her testimony.
Lombaard, a former accused who turned State witness, broke down in court when confronted with inconsistencies between her statement to police and her testimony. She had been questioned about the involvement of Joshlin Smith’s mother, Racquel Kelly Smith, and her partner, Jacquen ‘Boeta’ Appollis, who, along with Steveno van Rhyn, are charged with kidnapping and human trafficking.
On Thursday morning, Lombaard returned to the stand with a note from a doctor confirming her fitness to continue, as first reported by News24. Judge Nathan Erasmus did not disclose the details of her medical condition but allowed the cross-examination to resume. Lombaard, accompanied by court officials and police officers, indicated her readiness to proceed despite the emotional toll.
Advocate Fanie Harmse, representing Appollis, continued to question her about a confession she made to police and her agreement to become a State witness. Lombaard had previously stated that Smith went with Appollis to a VW Polo the day before Joshlin went missing, but later testimony contradicted this.
The trial is set to continue on Monday.
Also read:
Speeding crackdown! WCG warns motorists before long weekend rush
Picture: Jaco Marais / Gallo Images
