The second day of cross-examination will start for Laurentia Lombaard on Wednesday.

Previously an accused in the matter, Lombaard became a State witness in October last year and when asked by the State why, she said: “I told myself that I was going to speak the truth as I could no longer hide things”.

Lawyer to Jacquen ‘Boeta’ Appollis, Fanie Harmse began his cross-examination on Tuesday and will continue his cross-examination.

The cross-examination of Lombaard is expected to take a few days.

Her evidence in chief took over three days and three legal representatives will have to question her on all her evidence given to the court thus far.

Joshlin Smith went missing on February 19, 2024, from her home in Middelpos. It has been over a year and there has been no sighting of the green-eyed girl.

Lombaard became a State witness in October last year and when asked by the State why, she said: “I told myself that I was going to speak the truth as I could no longer hide things”.

Lombaard expressed remorse on the stand when asked how she felt following the incident and regarding her involvement.

“I feel very hurt. I am a mother of four and I didn’t know the plans Kelly and Boeta had. I only overheard them at a later stage about plans to sell the child. I tried to stop her [Kelly] but she wouldn’t listen,” Lombaard said, getting emotional on the stand.

“Wherever she is [Joshlin] ... I appeal to whoever may have the child. Please bring her home. I hope the child is alive. I am so sorry that I was involved,” Lombaard said.

She also remained adamant that the testimony she was giving the court was the truth.

robin.francke@iol.co.za

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