Joslin Smith Trial Halted As Lombaard Requires Medical Treatment, Falls Ill During Cross-Examination

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17 Apr, 2025

Proceedings in the Joslin Smith trial were halted as Lourencia Lombaard required medical treatment once more
Judge Nathan Erasmus noted that it wasn't the first time the witness became unwell when asked tough questions
Lombaard was being cross-examined by Kelly Smith's attorney, Rinesh Sivnarain, when she asked for a break

Proceedings in the Joslin Smith trial had to be halted as Lourencia Lombaard became ill once more, with the judge noting that it happened when she was grilled before. Brenton Geach/ Jaco MaraisSource: Getty Images

Briefly News journalist Byron Pillay has spent a decade 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.

WESTERN CAPE – Court proceedings in the trial into the disappearance of Joslin Smith have once again been postponed due to a medical emergency.

The State’s key witness, Lourencia Lombaard, asked for a break because she was feeling unwell just before 3 pm on 25 March 2025.

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Lombaard was being cross-examined by Rinesh Sivnariain, Kelly Smith’s attorney, when she required medical treatment.

Lombaard’s medical emergency sparks reaction from judge

While being questioned by Sivnarain, Lombaard asked if she could be allowed to take a break because she was feeling light-headed.

“My lord, uhm, kan ek nie ‘n bietjie afstaan nie, my kop voel ‘n bietjie duiselig (My lord, uhm, can I not sit down for a bit, my head feels a bit dizzy),” she requested.

The request came as she was being questioned about her initial confession following her arrest in March 2024, something Judge Nathan Erasmus noted.

"It's not the first time when it came to crunch time that the witness became unwell," the judge noted.

His comment was about the medical treatment she required on 19 March when she admitted to changing her story during the trial.

Kelly Smith's lawyer, Rinesh Sivnarain, had begun questioning Lourencia Lombaard when she fell ill. Image: Jaco MaraisSource: Getty Images

Court proceedings were halted early by medical emergency

He allowed her to take a break, saying that she could be excused for a while to take a breath and get some water. She was then supposed to return to the dock so cross-examination could continue until the end of proceedings for the day at 3:30 pm. This did not happen, as medical personnel could be seen rushing into a room to attend to her.

Some of the court orderlies were also spotted rushing into the room, prompting the judge to postpone proceedings. Court will resume on 26 March at 8:45 am.

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What you need to know about Lombaard's appearances in court

The State's star witness claimed that a sangoma wanted Joslin for her eyes and skin.
Defence lawyer Fanie Harmse poked holes in Lourentia Lombaard's testimony during cross-examination.
Lombaard cracked under pressure after being caught altering her previous version of events.
Cross-examination of Lombaard continued after she required medical treatment on 19 March.
The State's key witness claimed that she and her boyfriend were tortured for three weeks.