Witness Lourentia Lombaard Receives Stern Warning from Judge in Joshlin Smith Trial

(The Post News)- Lourentia Lombaard admitted in court last week that her March 2024 statement was incomplete and that she wasn’t fully aware of her surroundings at the time. Advocate Fanie Harmse highlighted inconsistencies between Lombaard’s initial confession and her later statement, starting from February 18, 2024.

A key issue raised was the alleged R20,000 payment from a sangoma to Kelly and how it was supposedly distributed among those implicated in Joshlin’s human trafficking case. According to the plan, Lombaard was supposed to receive R1,000, Van Rhyn R1,200, and Kelly and Appollis would split the remaining amount. However, Lombaard testified that she never received any money.

Since then, Lombaard’s statements have been proven inconsistent, casting doubt in court. Court proceedings were adjourned yesterday at the High Court sitting in Saldanha Bay, Western Cape, after Lombaard fell ill. Judge Nathan Erasmus expressed frustration over the repeated delays in the trial, citing Lombaard’s continuous discrepancies in her testimony and original statement.

Lombaard claimed to often get confused. Judge Erasmus cautioned, “If your testimony is accurate, the accused, particularly Kelly Smith, may face life imprisonment. However, if you fail to carefully consider the questions, it may impact your credibility and, consequently, my decision regarding immunity and potential discharge from charges.”

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Natalie Semono

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I am Natalie Semono and I am an environmental reporter with a Journalism Studies qualification from Rosebank College. I am passionate about telling impactful stories on climate change, conservation, and environmental justice. With a clear, engaging style, I translate complex issues into narratives that inform and inspire. My reporting aims to amplify underrepresented voices and connect communities with the urgent environmental challenges shaping our world.

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