RENZ IS FREE

FORMER accused-turned-witness Lourentia Lombaard has been granted immunity from prosecution for her part in the Joshlin Smith kidnapping and trafficking case.

- BY ROBIN-LEE FRANCKE

"You played no active role in the trafficking and kidnapping of Joshlin Smith," Judge Nathan Erasmus said in his much-anticipated judgment granting indemnity to Section 204 witness Lombaard.

Lombaard was the State's star witness in the trial over the disappearance of the green-eyed girl from Middelpos, Saldanha.

Kidnapping

Initially arrested and charged alongside Kelly Smith, Jacquen “Boeta” Appollis and Steveno van Rhyn for the kidnapping, Lombaard later opted to become a Section 204 witness, providing evidence that helped secure convictions against the trio.

Judge Erasmus reiterated that she may not be prosecuted on charges related to trafficking in persons or kidnapping in the matter.