The high-profile Joshlin Smith kidnapping trial could see a new witness take the stand on Wednesday after the state’s key witness, Lourentia Lombaard, fell ill during intense questioning at the Western Cape High Court on Tuesday.
Presiding over the case, Judge Nathan Erasmus made the announcement after Lombaard had to be carried out of the courtroom during cross-examination.
Background of the Case
Joshlin Smith, a young girl from Middelpos, Saldanha Bay, went missing on February 19, 2024, while under the care of her mother’s boyfriend, Jacquen Appollis.
Three individuals now stand accused in connection with her disappearance:
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Racquel “Kelly” Smith (Joshlin’s mother)
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Jacquen Appollis (Kelly’s boyfriend)
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Steveno van Rhyn (a friend of the couple)
The accused face charges of kidnapping and human trafficking.
State Witness Alleges Child Was Sold
Lombaard, initially arrested along with the three accused, later turned state witness. She made shocking allegations, claiming that Kelly had sold her daughter to a sangoma for R20,000.
She further testified that she and van Rhyn were offered money—R1,000 and R1,200, respectively—to keep silent about the transaction.
Cross-Examination and Dramatic Courtroom Moment
On Tuesday, Lombaard took the stand and detailed her relationship with Kelly, revealing that tension had developed between them after Kelly suspected her of having an affair with Appollis.
During cross-examination, Kelly’s lawyer, Rinesh Sivnarain, pressed Lombaard about a confession she had given to Captain Cilliers at the Saldanha Bay police station following her arrest in March 2024.
As the questioning became more intense, Lombaard suddenly reported feeling dizzy. Moments later, court officials had to carry her out of the courtroom, while medical personnel were called in to assess her condition.
The sound of a blood pressure monitor filled the courtroom as attendees waited for updates on whether she could continue testifying.
Challenges to Lombaard’s Credibility
Earlier in the proceedings, van Rhyn’s lawyer, Nobahle Mkabayi, challenged Lombaard’s credibility, suggesting that her accusations against van Rhyn were motivated by personal resentment rather than truth.
Mkabayi argued that Lombaard was angry because van Rhyn had informed the police about her boyfriend’s involvement in the case.
Judge Erasmus intervened at one point, stating that the defence believed Lombaard’s accusations were driven by anger rather than evidence.
Despite this, Lombaard maintained that van Rhyn was involved in the crime.
Judge Expresses Doubts as Testimony Becomes Inconsistent
As inconsistencies in Lombaard’s testimony grew, Judge Erasmus remarked:
“The longer I sit in court, the more surprises emerge.”
This statement highlighted the growing uncertainty surrounding the reliability of her testimony.
Trial Adjourned, Uncertainty Over Witness Testimony
Following Lombaard’s sudden illness, the trial was adjourned. It remains uncertain whether she will be able to resume her testimony on Wednesday.
Judge Erasmus stated that the court may hear from a new witness if she is unfit to return.
What Happens Next?
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Medical updates on Lombaard will determine if she can continue testifying.
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A new witness might be called in to replace her.
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The defence will continue scrutinizing the state’s case, particularly the credibility of its witnesses.
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Judge Erasmus will likely assess whether contradictions in testimonies affect the strength of the prosecution’s case.
As the trial unfolds, the fate of the accused and the search for justice for Joshlin Smith remain at the center of this gripping courtroom battle.