Jacquen Appollis, Steveno van Rhyn and Kelly Smith attorneys can now cross-examine the state witness. Image: Robin-Lee Francke/IOL
Image: Robin-Lee Francke/IOL
The day’s proceedings may not go as expected after Laurentia Lombaard fell ill twice on the stand.
The trial into the disappearance of Joshlin Smith is under way in Saldanha in the Western Cape.
Lombaard, who is under cross-examination, fell ill twice on Wednesday.
Before 11am, Lombaard had asked the court to excuse her.
Judge Nathan Erasmus conveyed to the rest of the courtroom that Lombaard was ill.
He also called for an adjournment, stating if she were not ready to continue, the day would be cut short and the matter would be rolled over to the next day.
However, 45 minutes later, Lombaard entered the courtroom ready to continue with cross-examination.
She is still being questioned by Fanie Harmse, the lawyer for Jacquen ‘Boeta’ Appollis.
Lombaard remained steadfast in her responses when questioned about Kelly's temper and violent behaviour, which included breaking a window, injuring herself, and even threatening to kill Boeta with a knife.
A discrepancy came up between Lombaard’s statement and her evidence in chief.
During this time, as the cross-examination was under way, Harmse persisted in asking Lombaard where her children were on the morning of February 18, 2024. She previously testified her children were with her at Kelly’s place.
However, she backtracked when Judge Erasmus asked why this was not in the statement. She said she ‘made a mistake’.
He further pointed out that she had ‘made this mistake’ at least four times.
Lombaard got sick again in the dock, this time she did not return.
The matter was concluded for the day.
If Lombaard remains unwell, the State will have to call a new witness to the stand.
robin.francke@iol.co.za
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