The Joshlin Smith trial resumes today, with State witness Lourentia Lombaard set to return to the stand for the continuation of her cross-examination.
What to expect from the Joshlin Smith trial on Day 15
After facing intense scrutiny over the past sessions, her credibility as the prosecution’s central witness is now under close examination.
As the defence continues to probe contradictions between her two confessions—one from March 2024, taken shortly after her arrest, and a second from October 2024, under a Section 204 agreement—the State is also preparing to introduce a new witness, Colonel Morris, who is expected to present key investigative findings related to Joshlin’s disappearance.
Readers can follow the live trial coverage today as the courtroom battle intensifies.
Recap of Day 14: Key testimonies and new revelations
Lombaard’s Contradictions in Focus
The day was dominated by cross-examination led by Advocate Fannie Harmse, representing Jacquen Appollis, with active participation from Judge Nathan Erasmus, who pressed Lombaard on several inconsistencies in her two confessions.
In her March 2024 confession, taken two days after her arrest, Lombaard made no mention of Kelly Smith smashing a window during a fight with Jacquen—something she later added in her October 2024 version. When asked about this omission, she admitted that she had held back details during the initial confession.
The judge noted changes in her appearance between the two statements. In March, Lombaard appeared dishevelled and showed signs of drug use, while by October, she looked healthier and composed. This raised questions about whether her initial confession had been influenced by drug withdrawal, which she confirmed, stating she last used tik two days before her arrest.
Conflicting Accounts of the White Polo
A central focus of the cross-examination was Lombaard’s account of the white Polo, the vehicle allegedly involved in Joshlin’s disappearance.
- In March, she said Kelly and Jacquen approached the vehicle together.
- In October, she changed her story, stating Jacquen was not present at that time.
- She was also inconsistent about whether the Polo meeting occurred once or twice. On Day 14, she claimed it happened once on Sunday and again on Monday.
The judge questioned why she chose to lie about some parts of the story but not others in March. Lombaard attributed her inconsistencies to fear, standing by her October version as the truth.
The R20,000: A Deal That Lacks Proof
The court also zeroed in on the alleged R20,000 transaction between Kelly Smith and a woman in the Polo.
- Lombaard admitted on Day 14 that her March claim of overhearing the money conversation was false—she couldn’t actually hear it.
- She also contradicted herself on when the money was discussed: March notes it as Monday, October says Sunday.
- When the judge confronted her with a line from her March confession—“My wish is that they will grant me free bail”—Lombaard denied she confessed to secure bail, insisting she wanted to tell the truth.
Disputes Over the Timeline of Joshlin’s Disappearance
The defence challenged her claim that she was at Kelly’s house early on Monday, 19 February 2024. Harmse insisted that Jacquen was not present that morning, arguing that Lombaard was not there either.
Lombaard maintained that she saw Kelly leave with Rochelle that morning. But in her March confession, she made no mention of the Polo, money, or any handover deal—only stating that Joshlin’s bag was packed and Kelly returned at 17:00.
She explained this by saying she lied in March out of fear, and that her October version was truthful.
What’s Next in the Joshlin Smith Trial?
- Cross-examination of Lombaard continues today, with the defence expected to focus on additional inconsistencies in her statements.
- Colonel Morris, the next State witness, may be called soon to present investigative details that could support or contradict earlier testimony.
- The judge has warned the defence to avoid repetitive questioning and focus on the core issues affecting Lombaard’s credibility.
With the State’s star witness under pressure and new witnesses lined up, Day 15 could prove pivotal in determining how the court evaluates the evidence so far.