As proceedings kick off in the third week of the Joshlin Smith trial, there was a question of whether Laurentia Lombaard will be taking the stand on Thursday.

This comes after Lombaard fell ill while in the witness box twice on Wednesday.

Before 11am, Lombaard had asked the court to excuse her.

Judge Nathan Erasmus conveyed to the rest of the courtroom that Lombaard was ill.

He also called for an adjournment, stating if she were not ready to continue, the day would be cut short, and the matter would be rolled over to the next day.

However, 45 minutes later, Lombaard entered the courtroom ready to continue with cross-examination.

She is still being questioned by Fanie Harmse, the lawyer for Jacquen ‘Boeta’ Appollis.

During cross-examination, she fell ill again.

The court adjourned for the day.

However, on Thursday morning, Lombaard was in the witness box ready to go ahead.

Judge Erasmus urged her to just relax, listen to the questions and make sure she understood the questions.

She also addressed Judge Erasmus, stating she had a doctor’s note for him.

“I have something to hand over to my Lord from the doctor,” she said.

As the note was handed over to the judge with no objection from all legal counsels, he said: “The note records what happened to the witness and explains the witness will be able to continue today,” Judge Erasmus said.

He further stated he would not be placing the medical issue of Lombaard on the record.

robin.francke@iol.co.za

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