An emotional breakdown in the Western Cape High Court forced a sudden pause in the ongoing trial related to the disappearance of six-year-old Joshlin Smith.
Lourentia Lombaard, initially a suspect in the case before turning state witness, struggled to maintain her composure on the stand, ultimately collapsing in tears as she was confronted with inconsistencies in her testimony.
The 32-year-old, who admitted to using drugs with the accused on the day before Joslin vanished, was visibly shaken as she attempted to recall details of 18 February 2024, the critical day before the child’s disappearance.
Judge Nathan Erasmus, maintaining his composed demeanour, intervened after noticing Lombaard’s distress. As the court interpreter relayed that she was trembling, Erasmus called for a break. A short while later, he informed the courtroom that paramedics were attending to her, resulting in an adjournment.
According to the Mail & Guardian, court proceedings will resume on Thursday, with the judge indicating that another witness could be called if Lombaard is unable to continue her testimony.
Advocate Fanie Harmse, representing Jacquen ‘Boeta’ Appollis, the partner of Joshlin’s mother, Kelly Smith, was cross-examining Lombaard when the breakdown occurred. His questions revolved around conflicting statements she had made regarding the presence of her children at Smith’s home on the day in question.
Despite previously stating multiple times that her children were with her when she visited Smith, Lombaard abruptly changed her answer under scrutiny. After acknowledging her contradiction, she appeared increasingly distressed, leading to the emotional collapse.
Judge Erasmus, reviewing his notes, pointed out that she had made the same claim at least four times and took nearly 45 minutes to concede the inconsistency. When pressed for an explanation, she could only apologise before becoming too overwhelmed to continue.
Earlier in her testimony, Lombaard admitted to knowing about the alleged sale of Joshlin to a sangoma for R20 000 and even accepting R1 000 to stay silent. She also revealed that the child was sought after specifically for her ‘eyes and skin.’
Throughout the investigation, Lombaard has altered her version of events multiple times, at first lying to police and the community before later claiming she was now telling the ‘whole truth.’
The state maintains that Smith had been discussing selling her children since August 2023, with the plan set to unfold early in 2024.
The trial, now in its third week, has already heard from a Saldanha Bay evangelist who testified that Smith had openly spoken about her intent to sell her children, even offering to lower the price if necessary.
Smith, Appollis, and co-accused Stefano van Rhyn have all pleaded not guilty to charges of kidnapping and human trafficking.
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Picture: Jaco Marais / Gallo Images
