Lourencia Lombaard Verdict Sparks Division in Tense Middlepos Area Following Joslin’s Disappearance

• Middlepos residents reacted to the decision to grant Lourencia Lombaard immunity from prosecution
• Lombaard was granted immunity by Judge Nathan Erasmus after testifying against her co-accused
• A community member claimed that the community failed Joslin Smith by not being unified enough

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 – Middlepos has never been the same since Joslin Smith’s disappearance in February 2024.

That’s according to members of the community who have spoken out following the conclusion of the final aspect of the trial, the decision of whether to grant Lourencia Lombaard immunity. The woman known as Renz was originally arrested alongside Kelly Smith, Jacquin Appollis, and Steveno van Rhyn, but turned state witness and testified against them.

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She was granted immunity from prosecution by Judge Nathan Erasmus on Wednesday, 13 August 2025, in the Western Cape High Court.

How does the community feel about Lombaard’s immunity?

The decision to spare Lombaard from prosecution sparked mixed reactions both online and within the Middlepos community. While some praised her for providing the key evidence that led to Smith, Appollis and van Rhyn being convicted, others were unhappy that she didn't speak out earlier, before whatever happened to Joslin.

Natasha Maarman, a community member who lived near where the Smith residence stood, said that Lombaard’s honesty came too late. She added that the courts were setting a bad precedent for others who committed similar crimes.

“Yes, she turned State witness, but still it’s very upsetting because at the end of the day tomorrow, I can also turn out to be a 204 and also walk free. Renz should’ve got at least 10 years, even though she was a 204; the deal they made with her was bad,” she said.

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Her frustration was echoed by Petrus Stevens, who also felt as if Lombaard should have faced some jail time.

“At this moment, we don’t have Joslin, but she’s free - which is wrong. I don’t think the judge considered our community because Renz knew everything from day one,” he stated.

Resident says community failed Joslin

Speaking about the feeling in the area following the conclusion of the trial, Maarman admitted that the community was still dealing with unresolved tensions.

She explained that many were hoping one of the convicted trio would come clean about what happened to Joslin after their application for leave to appeal was denied. Maarman also added that there was a lack of unity between the races in the area, which led to tension and also played a role in the whole situation.

"Community-wise? I think they also failed Joshlin, and I’m pretty sure that they’ll fail a lot of other children because they don’t stand together," she claimed.

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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.

Judge grants Lombaard immunity

Briefly News reported that Lombaard was granted immunity from prosecution in the Western Cape High Court.

Judge Nathan Erasmus explained his reasons, saying she could not be judged for her actions before she was a witness.

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Erasmus noted that Lombaard lied in court at times, but stated that she always came clean in the end.

Source: Briefly News