Judge Grants Immunity to Lourencia Lombaard, Renz Now Safe From Prosecution in Joslin Smith Trial

• Lourencia Lombaard was granted immunity from prosecution in the Western Cape High Court
• Judge Nathan Erasmus explained his reasons for granting the State's key witness immunity
• Erasmus noted that Lombaard lied in court at times, but stated that she always came clean in the end

Briefly News journalist Byron Pillay has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He spent 10 years working for the Northern Natal Courier before transitioning to online journalism.

WESTERN CAPE – Lourencia Lombaard is officially a free woman.

Judge Nathan Erasmus granted indemnity to Lombaard, who was the State’s key witness in the trial into the disappearance of Joslin Smith. Lombaard, who was commonly known as Renz, may not be prosecuted for human trafficking and kidnapping.

Lombaard was originally arrested in connection with the disappearance of the Saldanha Bay youngster, but chose to testify against Kelly Smith, Jacquin Appollis and Steveno van Rhyn in exchange for a chance at immunity.

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Why did the judge rule in favour of Renz?

In his judgment, Judge Nathan Erasmus stated that while she knew about the plan and originally kept quiet, this was not an offence. He also said that at the time, she needed the R1,000 promised to her by Kelly, and so would have kept quiet to get that money. He noted that she had never had issues with the law before as well.

Erasmus also added that it was unfair to attach too much weight to her actions before she became a witness. He noted that once she became a witness, she did make errors and admit to lying during parts of the trial, but stated that she always came clean.

Judge accepts that not everyone would be happy

Before handing down his decision, Judge Erasmus noted that his decision would not be accepted by everyone.

“There are people who will criticise me for the decision on both sides of the divide,” he said.

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He added that it was his decision based on how he evaluated her as a witness, and in evaluating that evidence, he needed to be careful not to nitpick unnecessarily. He noted, however, that she played no role in the trafficking or kidnapping of Joslin.

What you need to know about Lombaard’s involvement during the trial

• Lombaard testified in court that Kelly admitted to selling Joslin to a sangoma for R20,000.
• The State witness further claimed that the sangoma wanted Joslin for her skin and her eyes.
• Lombaard also told the court that she and her boyfriend were tortured for three weeks by community members.
• Defence advocate Fanie Harmse, who represented Appollis, poked holes in Lombaard’s testimony.
• Rinesh Sivnarain alleged that Lombaard and Ayanda Letoni were behind Joslin’s disappearance.
• The defence challenged the credibility of Lombaard’s evidence during its closing arguments.

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Lourencia Lombaard’s lawyer argues for full immunity for her, says her testimony secured convictions

Smith, Appollis, and van Rhyn sentenced to life imprisonment

Briefly News also reported that Smith, Appollis and van Rhyn were sentenced to life behind bars.

The trio were found guilty of human trafficking and kidnapping in the Joslin Smith trial.

Judge Nathan Erasmus stated that Smith, Appollis and van Rhyn showed no remorse.

Source: Briefly News