Lombaard Lies: key witness admits to deceiving police in Joshlin Smith case. Image: Daily Maverick .
(The Post News)– Laurentia Lombaard stunned the courtroom on day 14 of the Joshlin Smith trial by admitting she lied to police. This has raised questions about her credibility as she faces cross-examination from Fanie Harmse, the legal representative for Jacquen ‘Boeta’ Appollis.
Lombaard faced intense questioning from Fanie Harmse about her post-arrest statements and confession, with cross-examination ongoing. Captain Cilliers initially interviewed Lombaard, taking her statement about the incident, the court was told. This interview was also filmed; the judge and legal counsels have already viewed the footage, but it’s not certain if the footage will be played in court. Lombaard told the court when she gave her statement to Cilliers she did not really trust her and had reservations about the officer.
Judge Erasmus didn’t hesitate to ask the difficult questions. He asked why she then spoke to the police captain. Her response was she didn’t know she was going to come to her. All she did was just speak. She claims she didn’t know if she could tell people what happened.
The court learned Lombaard had used drugs two days before her arrest, raising the possibility she was under the influence during her police interview. Judge Erasmus also asked her if she was expecting any benefits after speaking to the police captain, and she said no.
Lombaard told the court that Cilliers asked her to answer; according to Lombaard, Cilliers did not simplify the statement for her so she could understand it. Lombard testified that a sangoma would pay Kelly R20,000 for Joshlin to be split among co-accused and others.Lombaard insisted a discussion about the R20,000 payment occurred on February 18, 2024, a day before Joshlin vanished.
Judge Erasmus intervened, questioning when Lombaard informed Captain Cilliers about the money discussion. Lombaard replied it was Sunday, but Judge Erasmus corrected her, citing footage showing she’d told the captain it occurred on Monday. Judge Erasmus asked Lombaard directly, “Did you lie to Captain Cilliers?” Lombaard admitted, “Yes.”
About the Author
