In the ongoing trial of Joslin Smith, the young girl from Saldanha Bay who went missing, the credibility of state witness Laurentia “Renz” Lombaard has come under heavy scrutiny.
Lombaard, once an accused individual, is now testifying as a state witness after she made a confession to the police.
However, the defense attorneys have criticized her reliability, describing her as an “unreliable drug addict.”
Lombaard’s testimony claims that Joslin’s mother, Kelly Smith, sold her daughter to a sangoma (traditional healer) for R20,000.
This shocking statement has added to the already serious charges against Kelly, her boyfriend Jacquin “Boeta” Appollis, and their associate Steveno van Rhyn, who are all facing charges of child trafficking.
The trial is currently being held at the High Court in the Saldanha Bay Centre.
Lombaard’s Testimony Under Fire During Cross-Examination
During a cross-examination on March 18th, defense lawyers took the opportunity to challenge Lombaard’s statements.
Lombaard, who was initially arrested last year, became a state witness after making a confession to the police.
She admitted that she had been using crystal meth, known locally as “Tik,” two to three times daily.
When asked about her decision to testify, Lombaard stated that she wanted to tell the truth, as she could no longer conceal important information.
However, her personal history and drug use have raised doubts about the veracity of her testimony.
The defense pointed out inconsistencies, with Lombaard herself admitting that her partner, Ayanda Letoni, was involved in selling drugs, although she had urged him to stop due to his alcohol dependency.
Conflicting Claims and Allegations
Lombaard’s previous testimony included claims that Kelly Smith had offered her R1000 as hush money after she discovered the plan to sell Joslin to a sangoma.
Despite confronting Kelly, Lombaard claimed that she never received the money, and this part of her story was also questioned by the defense as being “strange.”
On the day before her cross-examination, Lombaard shared her emotional thoughts in court, expressing regret over her involvement in Joslin’s disappearance.
She stated that she had been unaware of the plans until she overheard a conversation between Kelly and Boeta.
Lombaard claimed she attempted to intervene, but Kelly refused to listen. She also pleaded for Joslin’s safe return, expressing the emotional toll the case had taken on her.
Legal Implications for Lombaard’s Testimony
As a Section 204 witness under the Criminal Procedure Act, Lombaard is eligible for indemnity from criminal prosecution if her testimony significantly aids in convicting the accused.
The National Prosecuting Authority has offered Lombaard witness protection in exchange for her cooperation.
However, if the court determines that her testimony is false or unreliable, she could face prosecution for perjury and related charges.
With the trial ongoing, the court’s decision will depend on whether Lombaard’s account can be deemed credible and whether her testimony truly assists in proving the guilt of the accused.
The case continues to unfold, and the search for justice in the tragic case of Joslin Smith remains a top priority.
Do you believe Laurentia Lombaard is telling the truth about what happened to Joslin Smith? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.