What happened to state witness?

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Western Cape High Court Judge Nathan Erasmus has imposed a life sentence on convicted traffickers of Joslin Smith, including her mother, Kelly Smith. But what about the state witness, Lourentia Lombaard?

The woman – a former accused who turned State 204 witness – has stated under oath that Kelly allegedly sold her daughter to a sangoma for R20 000.

Kelly, her boyfriend Jacquin “Boeta” Appollis, and pal Steveno van Rhyn received concurrent sentences for trafficking and kidnapping.

JOSLIN SMITH STATE WITNESS – WHAT IS HER FATE?

During his sentencing hearing, Western Cape High Court Judge Erasmus revealed that the trafficking trial’s fourth former accused, turned state witness, Lourentia Lombaard, would hear her fate in another court date.

A date has yet to be set.

Lombaard – a State 204 witness – previously stated under oath that Joslin’s mother, Kelly Smith, allegedly sold her to a sangoma for R20 000.

Charges were withdrawn against Lombaard, who has been granted provisional indemnity from criminal prosecution. However, her credibility was questioned when she admitted to lying to police in a recorded statement after Joslin Smith’s disappearance.

Her version of events from her March 2024 statement differs from her confession to police in October, when she agreed to turn state witness.

IMMUNITY OR A JAIL SENTENCE TOO?

According to the Criminal Procedure Act, a Section 204 witness can receive indemnity from criminal charges, provided that their testimony and evidence help incriminate the accused.

In the case of Joslin Smith, the National Prosecuting Authority offered Lourentia Lombaard witness protection in exchange for her testimony against Kelly Smith, Boeta Appollis, and Steveno van Rhyn.

However, if the court finds that the witness has not testified truthfully, they may face prosecution for perjury and related charges.