14.08.2025
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Joshlin Smith Case: State witness Lorentia Lombaard granted indemnity

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  • Witness Lorentia Lombaard testifies in the Joshlin Smith case granted indemnity.

Section 204 witness in the Joshlin Smith kidnapping and trafficking matter, Lorentia Lombaard, has been granted indemnity from prosecution. Lombaard turned state witness and told the court how she had witnessed Joshlin’s mother, Kelly Smith, sold her baby who was six year old at the time, to a Sangoma for R20,000.

“I am of the view that you should be granted indemnity and that indemnity should be granted for the following reasons that is a contravention of Section 4 read with all the other relevant sections of the trafficking for the purpose of Exploitation Act and all the alternatives that are under Section 10 and its derevatives read with 11 that you have been cautioned you should also be indemnified,” said Judge Nathan Erasmus in handing down the judgement.

Erasmus has also denied the leave to appeal application by three convicted in the Joshlin Smith kidnapping and trafficking matter.

Jacquen Appollis, Steveno van Rhyn and the child’s mother are serving life sentences on charges of human trafficking and 10 years for kidnapping.

In handing down his judgement, Erasmus said there were no reasonable prospects for success if the matter was taken on appeal.

 

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