State calls for indemnity for Laurentia Lombaard
Image: Armand Hough/Independent Newspapers
The State prosecutor in the Joshlin Smith trial, Advocate Zelda Swanepoel, argued that Section 204 witness, Laurentia Lombaard, should be granted indemnity by the Western Cape High Court.
Lombaard, a former accused, became a witness for the state in October 2024. Her testimony proved pivotal in the conviction of Kelly Smith, Jacquen 'Boeta' Appollis, and Steveno van Rhyn.
The trio was found guilty of trafficking in persons and kidnapping and were sentenced to life imprisonment plus 10 years in May.
Swanepoel argued to Judge Nathan Erasmus that while the state cannot grant indemnity, it was at the discretion of the court, but pleaded that the court take Lombaard's sacrifices into account.
Laurentia Lombaard awaits her fate.
Image: Armand Hough/independent Newspapers
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She also submitted Lombaard's sin was keeping quiet and hiding the truth, but it should be noted that she came forward to assist.
'I submit contrary to whatever. She went back to correct a previous statement that said Boeta went with the white vehicle. Instead of incriminating him, she evaded doing that,' Swanepoel submitted.
She further argued that with every Section 204 witness, disclosure is a process.
'Uneducated person, a prolonged drug user, the environment she is in, this case with cameras everywhere. The court must understand the nerves. A witness stand is not an easy place to be in. The cross-examination was intense. She was taken to task, and every personal thing was taken out. This must be taken into consideration,' Swanepoel submitted.
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