The Joshlin Smith trial reaches a crucial stage today as the State prepares to resume the testimony of Lourentia Lombaard, a former accused turned State witness.
What to expect from the Joshlin Smith trial on Day 10
Her anticipated revelations could shift the direction of the trial, as prosecutors aim to solidify their case against Kelly Smith and her co-accused.
Lombaard’s testimony was set to unfold in full on Day 9, but the judge adjourned proceedings, emphasizing the need for a careful and thorough presentation of evidence. As court resumes today, all eyes will be on what she has to say.
Readers can follow today’s proceedings live via our streaming link as new developments emerge.
Recap of Day 9: Key testimonies and new revelations
State Strengthens Case with Three Key Witnesses
Before Lombaard took the stand, the court heard from three witnesses—Steven “Nico” Coetzee, Thersia Kruger, and prosecutor Louis Jacques van Zyl—whose testimonies reinforced the idea that Kelly Smith may have known in advance that a major event would grip Saldanha Bay.
- Steven “Nico” Coetzee: In his continued testimony, Coetzee stood by his claim that in August 2023, Smith had made cryptic remarks about something that would happen in January or February 2024. She allegedly told him that people would be searching but would find nothing.
- Thersia Kruger: A former employer of Coetzee, Kruger confirmed that he had told her about Smith’s statements at the time. Under cross-examination, she defended his credibility, adding that she had instructed him to report the information to Louis Jacques van Zyl.
- Louis Jacques van Zyl: As a veteran prosecutor, Van Zyl testified that law enforcement had already been following leads suggesting possible premeditation in Joshlin’s disappearance. His testimony validated Coetzee’s account, suggesting that Smith’s alleged statements from August 2023 were not isolated remarks but part of a larger investigative picture.
The State’s Trump Card: Lourentia Lombaard Takes the Stand
With the prosecution’s case gaining momentum, the court turned its attention to Lourentia Lombaard, a key figure in the trial. Once an accused party, Lombaard turned State witness under a Section 204 agreement, which grants immunity from prosecution in exchange for full and truthful testimony.
Her testimony was expected to provide an insider’s perspective on the events surrounding Joshlin’s disappearance, potentially revealing new details about what happened before and after 19 February 2024.
However, just as Lombaard began to introduce her background and the events leading up to Joshlin’s disappearance, the judge abruptly adjourned proceedings. The court ruled that her testimony was too crucial to rush, granting the prosecution more time to refine their presentation and ensure every detail was properly addressed when proceedings resume.
As the trial continues today, the focus will be on Lourentia Lombaard’s testimony. The State’s case hinges on her statements, and what she reveals could significantly impact the outcome of the trial.
We did a full breakdown of the significance of a timeline lapse in Kelly’s version of the event the day Joshlin went missing. You can watch it below: