Joshlin Smith trial adjourned briefly after key State witness falls ill

SALDANHA BAY - The Joshlin trial was adjourned briefly on Wednesday after the State’s main witness — Lourencia Lombaard — asked to be excused during cross-examination.

Joshlin's mother - Kelly Smith - Jacquen Appollis and Atevano van Rhyn are charged with kidnapping and human trafficking for the girl's disappearance.

The accused are on trial in the Western Cape High Court sitting in the Saldanha Bay Multi-Purpose Centre.

Former accused turned State witness Lombaard previously testified she witnessed Smith have a heated argument with Appollis at their shack in Middelpos on the day before Joshlin’s disappearance.

The witness said she heard Smith smashing a window of the shack before threatening to stab Appollis with a knife.

Lombaard told the court, Smith asked Appollis to get wood for a fire to cook food, but Appollis refused after showing Smith he had already collected wood.

Defence attorney Fanie Harmse told the court Appollis denies Lombaard's testimony, saying he does not know the details she shared.

After facing more questions, Lombaard requested a brief adjournment before being whisked away by court officials.  

Judge Nathan Erasmus later returned to tell the court Lombaard was unwell and needed treatment.

The trial continues.