Laurentia Lombaard fell ill on the stand on Wednesday. Image: Ayanda Ndamane / Independent Newspapers
Image: Ayanda Ndamane / Independent Newspapers
KEY witness in the State's case, Laurentia Lombaard fell ill during cross-examination on Wednesday and had to receive medical treatment.
Lombaard sat for a second day of cross-examination. A previous accused in the matter, she became a State witness in October last year.
Fanie Harmse, the defence lawyer for Jacquen ‘Boeta’ Appollis, began his cross-examination by concentrating on details of Lombaard's testimony.
Lombaard remained steadfast in her responses when questioned about Joshlin Smith's mother Kelly Smith's temper and violent behaviour, which allegedly included breaking a window, injuring herself, and even threatening to kill Boeta with a knife.
Harmse asked what Smith had said and Lombaard responded: “Jy, ek steek jou sommer vrek. (I’ll stab you to death)”. Lombaard mimicked the alleged actions of Smith with the knife in her hand to the court.
During this time, Smith, who was seated in the courtroom during the testimony, started giggling.
The court adjourned after Lombaard fell ill.
Judge Nathan Erasmus addressed the court, stating the witness had been feeling ill since the morning and gave her about 45 minutes to recoup or the matter would have to be postponed and rolled over to today.
Fortunately, Lombaard was feeling better as paramedics on-site saw to her immediately.
But while Lombaard remained adamant on the details from her statement and her evidence in chief which she gave the court over three days, a discrepancy came up between Lombaard’s statement and her evidence in chief.
During this time, as the cross-examination was under way, Harmse asked Lombaard where her children were on the morning of February 18, 2024. She previously testified her children were with her at Smith’s place.
However, she backtracked when Erasmus asked why this was not in the statement. She said she ‘made a mistake’.
Judge Erasmus asked her how it was that she made this ‘mistake’ at least four times.
“I am sorry. I don’t know how to explain but I am sorry,” she told the judge.
“We argued on this [issue] for three-quarters of an hour,” Judge Erasmus said.
It was during this time that the court interpreter told the court she was shaking and getting emotional.
The court adjourned for a further 10 minutes.
When Judge Erasmus returned he said: “I saw the emergency medical services (EMS) vehicle standing by. The witness is receiving medical treatment. We cannot proceed. The matter will be postponed until (Thursday).”
He further stated he asked the State to have a witness ready if Lombaard is not well enough to attend proceedings.
Cape Times